Don't let doubt hold you back from campaigning for election!

Campaigning for election is undoubtedly a big deal. The election campaign period for an election to the States Assembly comes round once every 4 years. It’s an incredibly busy time for the people who’ve made the commitment to stand for election to represent Islanders. In 2022, the Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey found that 7% of Jersey adults have ever – or would ever – considering standing for election to the States Assembly.

Although 7% might not seem like a huge figure at first, imagine if 7% of your Jersey friends and contacts were to stand for election. Imagine if every single election for Deputy and Parish Constable was contested, with several candidates campaigning and plenty of choice for voters. That would be amazing!

Answering a question to a survey clearly doesn’t come with the same weight and commitment as the reality of actually taking the plunge and standing for election. So why don’t more Islanders come forward and stand for election? What are the barriers, and how can we at Vote.je help you smash through them?

Hesitant about making a career change?

Hesitation over whether to stand for election if you are already established in a current role is to be expected. That’s no reason to hold back though!

Try to focus on what has motivated you to think about standing. What issues prompted you? What matters so much that you were moved to make a stand? Remember your connections to the community you want to represent.

If you are established in your area of professional expertise, think about how this could benefit Islanders. Is there anyone else in the States Assembly with your knowledge and skills? How might your candidacy make a difference to people who don’t feel represented?

Think you’re too young?

As long as you are at least 18 years old you are not too young to stand for election to the States Assembly.

Democracy works well when citizens feel represented. If you think there should be more younger people in the States and you want to make a difference, don’t hold back.

Not sure if you have the skills or experience?

The work of States Members is broad and varied. Every candidate has their own skillset, experience and connections to Jersey’s various communities to bring to the States Assembly. If you aren’t sure you have what it takes, have a look at Vote.je’s summary What does a States Member do?

Every new States Members is offered induction training and is provided with support and guidance by the States Greffe throughout the 4-year term.

Voters do have high expectations of their election candidates and politicians, but nobody can really expect newcomers to know the job inside out before starting it. Each candidate brings their own perspective, skills and experience to the States Assembly and there are plenty of opportunities to learn more once elected.

Nervous about public speaking?

Standing up and speaking in front of others is a very small part of the work you’ll do as a States Member. When those occasions do arise, bear in mind you can use notes or a pre-written speech. Remember that practice builds confidence. Give yourself the opportunity to practice – this will prepare you for the election campaign period when you will need to talk to voters and set out your manifesto.

You’re not sure your accessibility needs could prevent success?

Please contact us at Vote.je so we can understand what support or adjustments you may need to enable you to stand for election. Campaigning for election can – and should – be accessible to all.

Don’t feel ready?

If you don’t feel ready now, that is okay! At the time of publishing this blog, there are still several months to go until the next election and that should be enough time for you to get prepared. And if 2026 still seems too soon, you could try working with another potential candidate or joining a political party to support others’ election campaign efforts and gain some experience before standing for election yourself.

Unsure whether politics is compatible with family commitments?

Politics may be more flexible than you might think.

You should generally expect States Assembly work commitments to fall within Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. States Meetings and Scrutiny public hearings are scheduled well in advance so it’s possible to plan caring arrangements around that schedule. States Meetings usually finish at 5:30pm and when there is the possibility of running later than this, the Assembly will usually agree this in advance. The schedule of States Meetings follows school term times, which should be welcome news to any parents or carers thinking about standing for election. Many other meetings or work commitments as a States Member can be planned flexibly to suit your diary.

Stop doubting and start campaigning!