The Alderney representatives – currently Alex Snowdon and Edward Hill – used to be selected by States members from among their number.
In 2006 the States took a direct public vote out to the public to choose instead. The system was supposed to be reviewed in 2007 but this never happened, and the plebiscite vote has continued every other year since, even though it is not established in law.
Now the Policy & Finance Committee has announced a community-wide consultation to inform and determine the future of the plebiscite election.
‘After reviewing the previous work undertaken on this issue and considering feedback on earlier good governance proposals, it is clear that there are strong and legitimate arguments on both sides regarding the best way forward for the plebiscite,’ said Policy & Finance Committee chairman Jeannie Cameron, who is leading on the government reform project.
‘In favour of continuing the plebiscite there is the emphasis on the benefits of direct democracy, enhanced public accountability, and the mandate provided to elected representatives. However, there could be concern for persistently low voter turnout for the separate election, duplication of responsibilities, the plebiscite’s informal legal standing, and the financial implications of maintaining a non-statutory process every two years.
‘Conversely, returning to the legal process would mean the Guernsey representatives are chosen by and from among the elected members, with accountability to the States of Alderney.
‘Given these factors – and alongside the ongoing government reform workstream – the States considers meaningful public engagement on the future of the plebiscite essential before bringing forward any proposals for change.’
Alderney’s representatives in the States of Guernsey vote for the island on key matters for Alderney including taxation, regional services, infrastructure, and inter-island policy. But they are not instructed how to vote by their Alderney colleagues and have, on occasions, voted in different ways.
The consultation asks islanders to back one system or the other over the next four weeks.
Mr Snowdon and Mr Hill were elected on a 43% turnout in December 2024, after there had been a 63% turnout of voters in the general election a few weeks previously.
The turnout for the 2022 plebiscite was just 30%, with just three candidates for the two spots, as opposed to six candidates in 2024.
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