First up, to make a change, you must enrol to vote

One thing that is important is that many more people should put themselves on the register. There are probably thousands capable of voting for an individual, but he/she doesn't get in because those people, who are now inclined to vote, do so mainly for standing deputies. So, you thousands, get off your bottoms, and get on the register, and after voting, you can then justifiably grumble about the worst States ever (as long as you have voted for other people).

In order to get a vote in the referendum, the feeling now is to use those persons who will be on the voting register, and that is another incentive to get off your bottoms.

If the next deputies voting date includes the referendum, which seems a good idea, I consider that the referendum should be in two parts. The first asking whether there should be any kind of island-wide voting, and the second asking (regardless of your first vote) whether all or part of the States deputies should be island-wide.

I know that the present idea is for the whole 35 deputies to be elected, and for all voters to have up to 35 votes to put on the paper (which would need to be very large). This seems to be daft, in that, if anyone wants to have their 35 votes, they will be dithering in the booth, while queues of other people are waiting outside. You could imagine a kind of national lottery, with a prize going to anyone who matches the final result, with the prize being getting the blame for the next 'worst States ever'.

There are a number of different ideas for voting systems which have been put forward, and I am putting one more. There is ample time for the States to change their minds from the present idea (changing plans is now a standard format, until they get the result which somebody likes).

My form would be much as at present, with those standing for deputy in that particular district having their names, and a box for a cross, but only a limited number (say two) could be voted in. Additionally, there would be a number of empty boxes (say three) in which you could put a number selected from an island-wide selection, taken from a sheet pinned to the booth's wall.

Another point is that more power should return to the parishes who carry out good works without pay, and the douzaines should be made more use of with representatives on various departments.

DAVE WYLIE,

La Chanterelle,

Ruette des Fries,

Castel, GY5 7PW.