St Martin’s parishioners urged to use their vote
FIVE candidates are running for office in the St Martin’s parish elections tomorrow.
There are four douzenier vacancies, and parish voters will vote for their chosen candidates on a private ballot.
Three of the vacancies are for full four-year terms, and one is for a three-year term to replace a douzenier who resigned for health reasons.
Peter Dorey and Ben Gregg are incumbents running for re-election; Charlotte Le Tissier and Andy Castle are new candidates and Cynthia Cormack was formerly a constable.
‘It’s important for people to come vote because it gives parishioners a voice on how the parish is run,’ said Mrs Le Tissier.
‘If you don’t vote, you lose a say in how the parish is run and how parish rates are spent.’
The elections are open to all St Martin’s residents on the electoral roll. Although it is too late to register for the roll in time for this election, St Martin’s parishioners can register now for the next election. To check whether you are on the roll, email elections@gov.gg.
It is not possible to postal vote in a parish election. All voters will need to attend the polling station in person. It will be set up at the St Martin’s Parish Hall between 8am and 8pm.
St Martin’s and St Peter Port are the last parishes to hold elections because at meetings on 3 November residents decided to defer polling so all eligible voters could take part.
The candidates
Peter Dorey has already served one year as a douzenier, and he would like to continue his work in the community now that he feels he knows the ropes of the position.
Ben Gregg’s background in engineering and architectural disciplines has often served him well for all kinds of parish projects. If re-elected, he said he would like to continue his involvement with projects around the parish.
Charlotte Le Tissier hopes to take an active role in contributing and supporting parish life. ‘By voting for me you will have a committed douzenier who will work for your best interests in maintaining and strengthening the quality of parish life,’ she said.
If elected, Andy Castle said he would aim to promote good governance and ensure that parishioners get good value for the parish rates they pay.
Cynthia Cormack said she would welcome the opportunity for more land to be made available for allotments, which would allow more parishioners to grow they own food. She is also passionate about helping community members in need.
Information hub
Women in Public Life has created a voter information hub on its website to help voters make their choice in the St Peter Port and St Martin’s parish elections.
Each candidate has an individual page showing their photo and contact details, plus links to their leaflet and any social media accounts. The hub also lists the polling stations and will be kept up to date with any ‘Meet The Candidate’ events.
Women in Public Life is a group of local volunteers that inspires women in Guernsey to stand for a variety of roles in public office.
. The hub is at womeninpubliclife.gg.
