The way deputies vote could change with decision this week

States members will debate the introduction of simultaneous electronic voting at the March meeting, which begins on Wednesday.

Proposals put forward by the States’ Assembly and Constitution Committee would see the new system introduced later in the year at a cost of £109,000 over the first three years.

Some deputies have said this is the wrong time to spend the money, while supporters say the parliamentary time saved will make up for the initial outlay, as well as improving transparency in government.

However, Alderney representative Alex Snowdon says the change might also influence the way members vote.

‘It’s going to be interesting to see how the new system changes things,’ he said, ‘as you won’t be able to see how others have voted before your turn comes around.’

Currently, votes can be conducted ‘au voix’, with those in favour all calling ‘pour’ together and those against then calling ‘contre’. The presiding officer – usually the Bailiff – then determines which side had the majority.

However, in practice, most significant decisions are subject to a request for a recorded vote. This means States members are obliged to answer in turn.

The Greffier calls the names of the members marked as present in alphabetical order, but the member the Greffier starts with changes from meeting to meeting.

Although there is now only one political party in the States – the Guernsey Party, which has five elected members – apparent bloc voting on a number of issues has been the subject of much argument among members this term.

One deputy, Chris Blin, agreed with Mr Snowdon’s assessment and said he saw it as a good thing.

‘We’ll have to vote without hearing others’ votes,’ he said. ‘I feel strongly it’s a progressive move forward.’

All deputies have now had the opportunity to see the system being demonstrated and Deputy Blin was among those convinced of its merits.

‘I like tradition but the difference this will make is substantial,’ he said. ‘It will put us in line with equivalent jurisdictions and will benefit the general public, who will more easily and quickly be able to see how we have voted. It’s a very straightforward process.’

He said the proposed system was tailored to the Guernsey parliament’s needs and was easily adaptable.

Mr Snowdon’s enthusiasm was tempered by consideration of the cost and he said he would decide whether to vote in favour of electronic voting according to the arguments put forward during debate.

Among those who voted, in 2018, against the proposals being drafted in the first place were Deputies Peter Roffey, Lyndon Trott and Al Brouard, who have all confirmed they will oppose them.

‘It comes at a cost and I don’t really see what we get in return,’ Deputy Roffey said. ‘It will make the States a bit less transparent to those listening on the radio as they will no longer be able to hear how members vote. While they could look up the voting later on the States website, that is a bit of a faff. I also think it will be a loss of tradition and colour.’

Deputy Trott said: ‘I can think of a multitude of measures I would rather spend the money on. This proposal is self-indulgent and obviously and rightly an ultra-low priority and I shall vote against.’

Deputy Brouard said: ‘I can think of many better uses for the capital and the year-on-year substantial costs.’