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
Leader of Alderney 2nd Earl of Essex despite the Earl of Essex never visiting Alderney. During the English Civil War and the Commonwealth of England, leadership of Alderney changed hands several times between the Royalists and Parliamentarians with Nicholas Ling being appointed as the Lieutenant-Governor of Alderney by Oliver Cromwell. In 1660, during the Restoration of the Monarchy, Edward de Carteret was granted the title of Governor of Alderney by King Charles II of England as a reward for loyalty to the Crown and became the leader of Alderney as a result, with Ling remaining as Lieutenant-Governor. Alderney was also separated from Guernsey