Today – 24 March – a brand-new system has been introduced which automatically adds eligible Islanders to the electoral register using existing Government of Jersey data. Islanders are automatically registered if, on Election Day (Sunday 7 June 2026), they are aged 16 or over, and have lived in Jersey for 12 months OR for 6 months on Election Day, plus periods of time that total five years.
Automatic Voter Registration (AVR) uses information from the Government’s central People Directory, which includes social security contribution records, to determine age and residency.
The system has been informed by public demand for improved digital services, feedback from election observers, and guidance from the States Assembly’s Privileges and Procedures Committee. AVR aims to:
- Make it easier for Islanders to vote by removing the manual registration process;
- Reduce financial costs and administrative burden on the Parishes; and
- Modernise Jersey’s electoral services.
Checking your Voter Status
Islanders can check that they are on the Electoral Register by contacting their Parish Hall. If an eligible person is not automatically registered or needs to change their record (address, surname, etc), they will be helped to do so. Anyone who has recently moved or returned to Jersey after a prolonged absence is advised to check their record is up-to-date with Social Security by calling 01534 444444.
The introduction of AVR follows changes to the Elections (Jersey) Law 2002 that came into effect today, which also remove the need for parishes to post out paper registration forms each year, and end the requirement for publication of the electoral register. Parishes will continue to own and administer their registers.
Whilst the electoral register will no longer be publicly available, confirmed election candidates will be able to request a list of registered voters in their constituency for campaigning purposes. However, Islanders can request to be removed from this list – but remain registered to vote. To do so, they must contact their Parish Hall by 12 noon on Friday 17 April 2026.
Deputy Steve Ahier, Chair of the Privileges and Procedures Committee, said: ‘The introduction of Automatic Voter Registration marks an important step forward for Jersey. At a time when many other jurisdictions are still working towards similar reforms, we are leading the way. This modernisation of our electoral system will make it simpler and more convenient for Islanders to access their right to vote.’