Loss of senators stopped people voting - minister

Debate Over Reinstating Senators in Jersey Gains Support Despite Low Turnout

Jersey’s Treasury Minister, Deputy Elaine Millar, has suggested that some islanders did not vote in the 2022 election due to anger over the removal of senators. The eight senators were abolished as part of electoral reforms that created nine voting districts and replaced them with deputies.

Millar has been holding meetings across Jersey’s parishes to gauge public interest in bringing back senators before formally proposing the change to the States Assembly in March. While attendance at these meetings has been low, those present have largely supported the idea.

Residents like Lesley Norman and Sandra Genee argue that the removal of island-wide senators limits voter choice. However, some politicians, including Deputy Lyndsay Feltham, believe revisiting the debate is unnecessary and that focus should remain on issues that directly impact daily life.

Despite two failed attempts to reinstate senators in 2023, Millar remains optimistic, believing her new proposal is simpler and has a better chance of success.