After Jersey’s 2022 election, we spoke to voters and non-voters to understand what makes them engage with the Island’s elections. What helps voters decide who to vote for on election day? How can candidates prepare for 2026, and why is the best time to make a start on election campaign plans right now?
Kickstart your campaign for Jersey’s 2026 election
If you’re thinking about standing for election to the States Assembly in 2026, you should start your campaign planning now and get ahead of the competition. Islanders want you to be the best you can possibly be, so let’s take a look at their top 5 tips:
1. Jersey’s next election is on Sunday 7 June 2026.
Time is ticking. Election day – 7 June 2026 – is now less than one year away! The remaining days and months will fly by and it’s always a good idea to start as soon as you can and plan ahead.
Your job as a candidate will require you – and anyone who can support you – to convince enough people to vote for you to be certain of success at the ballot box.
Planning your election campaign will take time – perhaps more than you anticipate. Give yourself the benefit of starting your plan to stand now, avoid a last minute rush, and make the job more manageable.
2. Understand the job before taking the plunge.
Being a States Member is a job like no other – there are many different aspects to the role and successful candidates can expect to be very busy with a varied workload. It’s wise to familiarise yourself with the work elected Members do before you commit to standing for election.
As Jersey’s official election guide, Vote.je offers potential candidates essential information about what it takes to be a politician in the States Assembly. There are several ways you can find out more about the rewarding work that States Members do before you decide to go public about your intention to stand for election. The States Assembly website is a great starting point. You can also read more in our essential guide for candidates.
3. Islanders want you to be prepared…
… and for you to be clear on what you stand for. This came across loud and clear in our conversations with Islanders after the 2022 elections!
Remember that voters need to understand what a vote for you will actually mean for them. What are the key issues that you want to address? How would you describe your personal political stance?
There might be some points that you are very clear about right from the beginning. As we get closer to the election, you’ll also need to keep on top of matters of public interest that voters will expect you to have a view on. Keep up to date with local news and current events, as well as States Assembly and Scrutiny business to help you prepare for the questions that Islanders are likely to pose.
Use the time you have before the 2026 elections to work out what really matters to you, how you’re going to explain this – and what you would like to do about it – to potential voters.
4. We’re all busy people.
Everyone has their own existing commitments and responsibilities. How can you make them work alongside campaigning for election?
If you’re thinking about standing for election, there is a fair chance you will need to figure out how to fit in organising and running an election campaign around what you already do, what it could mean for you financially, and how to balance home life with work if you’re successfully elected.
Plan your time carefully and make an early start on your campaign plan in order to make progress. If it looks like a lot of work, bear in mind that you don’t necessarily have to do it all on your own…
5. Network now to find your supporters.
People who believe in you and want to support you are an absolute gift to increasing the number of potential voters you’ll be able to reach during the campaign period.
Speak to family, friends, and colleagues, and find reliable supporters who can help you run your election campaign. Start networking early and build up connections in your community. Look for opportunities to expand your network and spend time talking to people to figure out who your best supporters are likely to be.
Think about what you can do for others and how you can raise your profile with the people whose votes you’ll need. People who want you to succeed in the 2026 election will help spread the word on your behalf and are likely to encourage others too.