Deputies threaten to block 'costly' electronic voting

Although the issue has been prioritised by the States in the Government Work Plan, some deputies are pushing back on the cost.

The proposal from the States Assembly & Constitution Committee would see all States members using an electronic system designed by a local company, which would ensure all votes are made simultaneously and permanently recorded.

A debate is expected at the end of March.

The new voting system is estimated to cost £109,000 in the three-year introduction period.

Deputy Peter Roffey has questioned spending tens of thousands of pounds on the ‘privilege of push button voting instead of calling pour or contre’.

‘Not at all sure that money couldn’t be better spent elsewhere,’ he posted on social media.

Deputy Victoria Oliver has also questioned the price of the project when the States is accused of wasting money.

But a former deputy who pushed for this for more than 20 years said the move was the next stage in development for the island's government.

Mary Lowe was in the States for 26 years and was mother of the last house.

‘The policy has been in the States seven times and was first proposed in 1999,’ said Mrs Lowe, who made it one of her pledges in the 2016 election.

‘It would be a delight for simultaneous electronic voting to go through after years of toing and froing with reports and requetes.

‘Moving online is much quicker and keeps a permanent record of the results of each vote, holding States members accountable.’

Jersey has had recorded e-voting since 2004 and the public can view how deputies have voted both individually and collectively via links on their government website profiles.

Guernsey following suit would enhance transparency to the public by recording votes as well as tracking member attendance in meetings.

Sacc has estimated the first year total costs will reach £73,000 with a breakdown of £40,000 for the system itself, £25,000 for hosting set-up, £3,000 for annual hosting cost and a £5,000 hardware budget has been requested for purchasing a small number of back-up devices in the case of technological failure during a vote.

Subsequent years will see a cost of £18,000 for maintenance per annum, with an opportunity to negotiate costs following the three-year introduction period.

Policy & Resources commented: ‘While the committee has agreed the funding for SACC’s proposed system, subject to approval by the States Assembly, the members of P&R have not discussed any other aspects of the policy letter, considering it as a matter for each individual member.’

The proposal is set to be considered by the States during the meeting on 30th March.

Pending approval, the system will be finalised and tested in April and May with the hope that the new voting policy will be live and implemented for the meeting scheduled for 14th June.