Jersey prisoners granted the right to vote

Prisoners at HMP La Moye will get the opportunity to vote in upcoming elections, thanks to a move by Jersey politicians.

Constable Len Norman, who brought the proposition, argued the change had to be made keep the island in line with the European Convention for Human Rights.

But out on the streets of St Helier today, there was a mixed response from islanders...

Even if all prisoners in the islands have the opportunity to vote, the man who oversees those behind bars in Jersey doesn't think many will want to.

This week, the States voted in favour of a law which will mean convicts serving sentences of four years or less will be offered the chance to cast their ballots.

But the Governor of Jersey's HMP La Moye, Bill Millar doesn't believe there will be much take up.

At the moment, remand prisoners and those who have the right to a postal vote elsewhere in Europe can vote, if the country they'll be voting in allows prisoners to do so, but in the eight and a half years Mr Millar has been Governor at La Moye, he says he's not seen a single person take the chance.

It is a similar story in Guernsey. Although inmates have been eligible to vote since 2004, in last years election only two prisoners chose to do so.

A plan to give prisoners in Jersey the chance to vote in island elections brings with it hope they'll integrate better into society, once their sentenced has elapsed.

According to Constable Len Norman, who's proposition to allow inmates to elect their island representatives was passed yesterday, prisoners who serve four years or less for their crimes should be allowed to have their say.

Constable Norman claims the move, which bring Jersey in line with most other European countries, aids rehabilitation.

Giving Jersey prisoners the right to vote is 'the right thing to do', according to the head of Jersey's Probation Service.

Brian Heath said the move by politicians in the States this week brings Jersey in line with the European Convention for Human Rights and the majority of other European countries.

He also explained how prisoners at HMP La Moye, who had the right to vote somewhere that prisoners are allowed, can have their say via a postal vote.

For example, an Irish prisoner in Jersey who could vote in an Irish election would be allowed to do so, whereas a Jersey born prisoner in jail in the island would not have been offered that opportunity to exercise his or her democratic right.

Mr Heath added, this new change in law would even out that inequality among cell-mates.

Jersey States has made a groundbreaking move to offer prisoners the right to vote.

The UK has not yet adopted the system.

Thirty deputies voted in favour, with just 14 politicians against it.

It was proposed by Constable Len Norman, who argued the move had to be made to stay in convention with human rights.

Those against the proposition include:

• Senator Alan Maclean
• Deputy Eddie Noel
• Deputy Kevin Lewis
• Deputy Anne Pryke

This article previously stated that Deputy Tracey Vallois was against the proposition. This was incorrect and the Deputy's name has therefore been removed from the list in this article.