Jersey States opts for second voting reform referendum

Jersey's politicians have agreed to hold another referendum on how best to reform the States assembly.

Voters will be asked next year whether there should be only one type of States member - elected by parish - from 2018.

Currently, 10 senators are elected on an island-wide basis, while the 12 parishes choose one connétable each and a further 29 deputies between them.

The Privileges and Procedures Committee will report back to the States with more details and a likely question.

Deputy's proposal

A further question will be included in the referendum, which will ask islanders whether the connétables should continue to sit in the States.

Its inclusion was approved by States members earlier, after being proposed by Deputy Andrew Green.

The referendum will coincide with the general election in October.

In April, Jersey voters decided to back plans to do away with the role of senator, while electing 30 deputies in six large districts, along with 12 connétables.

However, the result was not binding on the States, which rejected the public's choice in July.

The winning option had received 8,190 votes, after a 26% turnout.