Guernsey electoral roll may be used for referendum

The referendum could be held in 2017 at a cost of up to £400,000

To guarantee a say in the island-wide voting referendum islanders should sign up to the latest electoral roll, the registrar general of electors has said.

Last week deputies agreed to ask the public about replacing the district system with elections on an island-wide basis by 2020.

In a bid to save money the latest electoral roll, closing on 29 February, could be used for the referendum.

Mark de Garis said "to be absolutely sure" people should register.

He said: "Even if they aren't planning to vote in the April General Election, I would strongly advise all eligible islanders to register on the electoral roll before 11:59pm next Monday, to ensure that their voice is heard on island wide voting if the decision is made to use the current electoral roll."

Electoral Roll

With one week to go there are 28,205 people on the roll. Ahead of the previous election in 2012 there were 29,745 people registered.

There is currently no referendum law in Guernsey, but the aim is for the referendum to be held in 2017.

Mr de Garis said: "It is entirely possible to use the electoral roll currently being compiled for the general election in April, if the referendum is held in the not-too-distant future. This would significantly reduce costs."

Islanders can register online or get paper forms from the Home Department.

Calls for island-wide voting to be reintroduced have been made regularly since the office of conseiller was ended in 2000, but all attempts have been rejected.