The right to vote must be used
THE introduction of simultaneous electronic voting into the States of Guernsey was ultimately hailed as having the potential to save time and enhance transparency.
Come general elections, voters would be able to revisit the votes on major issues placed before the Assembly and see how the candidates voted.
Now whether voters are prepared to track back over multiple States’ meetings for the details is another matter, but one issue of transparency is already becoming clear from having the voting record immediately at the fingertips. That of actually being present in the Chamber to cast a vote.
This week the collective States once again showed an uncanny ability to misjudge how long it may take to get through its workload for a meeting – members will take ages early on discussing relatively ‘trivial’ matters, leading to a rash of guillotines and truncated debates on the last afternoon.
But if, as will be argued, debate and the political process is important, then, more so is the requirement to be present to cast a vote.
It was always expected that the votes on some of the discrimination debate amendments would be tight, even if the final vote was not. But there is no value in our elected representatives making impassioned speeches if the deputy fails to carry out their ultimate responsibility of voting. And now the voters are watching.