Postal vote packs to be sent out this week

The voting packs, initially promised ‘a short time after nominations closed’, have already been sent to UK and overseas addresses.

One candidate said the delay in sending them was concerning as the window to return the ballot narrows ahead of the main election day next Wednesday.

Polling stations begin to open on Saturday.

‘It is a success story that so many people have opted to register for postal votes,’ Colette Falla, Registrar-General of Electors, said.

‘This will naturally reduce demand at polling stations and help make the process as smooth as possible given the numbers involved.

'It is a significant logistical task to issue more than 21,000 postal voting forms and I’m pleased that this process has begun, with Guernsey Post ready to begin delivering them this week.’

In response to concerns raised on social media, Guernsey Post tweeted yesterday: ‘The postal packs will be delivered to the Election Team’s schedule which is Wednesday.’

The States decided to push back when the postal votes went out after feedback from candidates because the preference was to get the combined manifesto out first.

For the district-based election in 2016, 2,000 people opted for a postal vote.

Those registered for one are asked not to contact the election office unless they have not received their pack by Friday.

If you have registered for a postal vote you must use it – you will not be issued with a ballot paper in a polling station.

They should be returned by post, but if you miss the return deadline your postal vote can be dropped off to any polling station on Wednesday 7 October before 8pm.

They must be hand delivered to a member of the polling station team, you must not put your postal vote into the ballot box.

There are 119 candidates on the ballot paper and electors have up to 38 votes, but do not have to use all of them.

If anyone selects more than 38, the ballot paper will be spoilt and not count.