2003 Alderney referendum 2003 Alderney referendum A non-binding referendum on allowing the direct election of the Alderney representatives of the States of Guernsey was held in Alderney in September and October 2003. However, the validity of the procedure was disputed. The proposal was approved by 70% of those who answered the questionnaire. The two Alderney representatives in the States of Guernsey are chosen by the States of Alderney. The Procedures and Constitution Committee of the States of Guernsey sought to consult Alderney residents on whether this should be changed to allow for their direct election by voters. The referendum was opposed by the
Fortifications of Alderney when the Island was attacked by pirates or used by pirates as it was undefended. The Island Militia may have existed for centuries, as did the Militias of Guernsey and Jersey. King Edward III of England authorised Thomas de Ferres in 1337 to “levy and train” militias in the Guernsey, Jersey, Sark and Alderney, to the use of arms and to aray them in thousands, hundreds and twenties. The first mention of a militia commander, Captain Nicholas Ling, was noted in the records in 1657. Without fortifications apart from a decaying Essex Castle and the Nunnery and few if any