States asked to ring-fence £130k for Sunday voting

The States of Jersey has been asked to ring-fence £130,000 to cover the additional costs of having next year's election on a Sunday, rather than on a weekday.

In April the States voted to hold the election on Sunday 7 June 2026.

A report from the Privileges and Procedures Committee (PPC) found a Sunday election would increase the administrative cost of the process, given that officials and Parish staff would be working on a weekend.

The States has been asked to ring-fence the money to cover the Parishes costs of staffing the election.

The decision to change the day from a more usual Wednesday, was made in the hope of encouraging more people to vote after a turnout of 41.7% in the 2022 general election.

Parish leaders said the election will cost more because staff will have to work overtime at the weekend, and they may have to hire polling stations.

They also said staff will need to work on the Saturday to set up polling stations and people will be on duty from early morning on Sunday.

Other costs could include the availability of people to act as adjoints and hospitality and refreshments as venues which have been used on Wednesdays "may have limited availability" on a Sunday, according to the Comité des Connétables.

The change came after the PPC looked at voting in other jurisdictions where voter turnout is high.

It said voting at the weekend would make it easier for working people, students and families with children.

The committee also pointed out that voting early on a weekday does not suit many working people in a rush to get to work and some "are not inclined" to venture out again after work to vote.

Recent elections have taken place on a Wednesdays.

According to the 2022 Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey 53% of over 65's voted in the last elections, compared with 17% of those aged 16 to 34.

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