Each vote cast helps chart island’s future

Trump, Brexit, Covid-19, climate change.

The idea that politics has little bearing on the lives of ordinary people is clearly a nonsense.

Guernsey is a microcosm of all that. Our regional parliament may not be Westminster but it has far more power than a council in Luton, Llandudno or West Lothian.

Subjects as varied and important as abortion, assisted dying and same-sex marriage are all decided here, by island politicians. Just 38 people, some elected by a few hundred votes, have authority over aspects of life that touch every one of us.

In the last six months alone Guernsey deputies have taken unprecedented control of their population. Lockdown and the continuing travel restrictions are as invasive and controlling a policy as any brought about by the German forces in the Second World War.

Those who turn their back on such a momentous authority and leave the decision to others are abrogating their responsibilities as island citizens.

This year, of all years, each vote matters.

Not just because it is an island-wide election, but because the waters ahead are treacherous, full of vicious rocks all too capable of sinking the good ship Guernsey and all who sail on her.

Numerous times in the past four years the States Assembly has been deadlocked. It happened with the first vote of consequence for the election of a chief minister. Four years later that proved to be a momentous call as the island encountered the pandemic crisis.

Islanders who vote have a genuine chance to influence those key votes, to promote one or more candidates above their peers.

The consequences of a series of good and bad decisions as first Brexit and then the waves of post-Covid recession sweep over us cannot be underestimated.

Rightly or wrongly, the island voted in the referendum for island-wide voting. The system may have its flaws but it was chosen democratically and voters must work to make it a success.

The first step on that path is to register on the electoral roll. And then, in a few short weeks, cast the votes that will help determine all of our futures.