What do voters in Jersey want and how can you make sure your 2026 election campaign hits the mark? This blog gives a rundown of some of the top points that Islanders raised in a research study after the 2022 election. If you’re thinking about standing for election to the States Assembly in 2026, read on and take note
1. A high calibre of election candidates
It shouldn’t be a surprise that Islanders have high expectations of their election candidates. People want the best for their home, their family, and their future. It stands to reason that this means they also want the best possible choices available to them on the ballot paper on election day.
What do people actually mean when they say they want a high calibre of election candidates? Well, that’s a tricky question to answer, because individuals have differing ideas. At the very least, people will have respect for candidates who know what they are talking about and can demonstrate knowledge of the issues they are campaigning on. It’s a tall order to expect election candidates to know everything and be prepared for every possible question that might be asked, but voters will value your ability to think on your feet and deal with the unexpected.
2. Be clear about what you stand for
Many voters spend time looking at candidates’ manifestos to decide who to vote for. People want to make informed decisions about their candidates. They are looking for people who match their values and beliefs and want to see candidates who care about the issues that matter to them. A well-written manifesto should create a good impression and make it easy for voters to decide who wins their votes. Get to the point. Be clear about who you are, what you stand for, and how you’ll act in the best interests of Jersey.
Remember that it’s not just a written manifesto that gets your campaign message out there. You should also be ready to speak to people to communicate what you stand for and why people should vote for you.
Election candidates can expect to be in demand – whether that’s to attend hustings to speak about their campaign aims, to journalists for news pieces, or to voters who have questions for them. Spend time preparing the key points you know you want to get across. Practice in front of someone else or film yourself so you can try again and keep improving.
3. Candidates that reflect the Island’s population
The people we spoke to after the 2022 election said they were keen to see people stand for election who they identified with – people who were reflective of Jersey’s diverse population. Islanders see a benefit in having elected representatives who are ‘people like me’.
If you see yourself – or others see you – as a trusted voice within a community or group, then you could be exactly the kind of representative needed to advocate for that group in the States Assembly. Speak to the people closest to you and see what support you could gather. You may already have lots of contacts who could help you stand for election.
4. Candidates who understand the community they intend to represent
If you have strong connections with a community, you are likely to have their support at election time. Candidates who can advocate for people and understands the concerns and needs facing different groups is in a great position to be able to make a positive impact for that group.
Likewise, Islanders told us how important it is that Jersey has election candidates who really understand how the island works – the population, its identity, environment, culture and economy. Voters want candidates who ‘get it’.
Candidates who spend time speaking with Islanders and getting involved in activities and causes in the local community will be able to deepen their understanding of what Jersey needs most, where improvements could be necessary, and be able to speak with experience come election time.
5. Encouragement for younger Islanders to stand for election
Anyone interested in Jersey’s political system will likely have noticed that States Members have tended to be older rather than younger in age. This should not put off younger people from standing for election. There are many examples of younger individuals coming forward for election.
If you want to find out more about what it takes and you want to connect with people who have already stood for election in Jersey you could contact current States Members for advice.
Another great way of learning more is to subscribe to the Vote.je newsletter for potential election candidates. Between now and the 2026 election there will be events and resources available to people who want to take the plunge.
6. Candidates with a range of skills and prior experience
Compared to other jobs, the role of States Member is a bit unusual because there is no formal job description. That said, there is a huge variety in the work you can expect to do, and because of that, it’s well-suited to people who have a broad range of experience. There isn’t a requirement for formal qualifications.
Remember that you need to demonstrate your ability for the role to voters. Are you a greater communicator? Are you good at building consensus in a group? Are you an empathetic person? Do people say you’re brilliant at managing lots of differing priorities and tasks? Are numbers your thing? Are you hot on detail?
Think about what might make you stand out in a list of other election candidates and find a way to communicate that to voters.
7. Candidates who have a better understanding of the election process
This is where Vote.je can make a difference. The Plan To Stand campaign is running now to help potential candidates learn more about the election process, to understand how to run a good campaign, and what they need to know to get stuck in straight away as a States Member if they are successfully elected.
If you haven’t already, make sure to follow Vote.je on social media, and be sure to sign up to the Vote.je newsletter for candidates to get early access to practical guides, insights and advice on what it takes to organise your #PlanToStand.