The elected members of the States of Jersey Assembly are Senators, Connétables (Constables) and Deputies. The only difference between them is the way in which they are elected – when they are in the States Chamber their votes are of equal importance.
Senators (8)
Senators are elected to represent the whole of the Island. You can vote for up to a maximum of 8 Senators, no matter which Parish you live in.
Connétables (12)
Each Parish is led by a Connétable (also known as a Constable). The Connétable has a dual role as both head of the Parish and member of the States of Jersey. You can only vote for one of the candidates standing for Connétable in the Parish where you live.
Deputies (29)
There are 29 Parish Deputies who represent the interests of their Parishes in the States as well as engaging in wider issues affecting the whole Island. Some Parishes with a large population have more than one Deputy and some, for example St. Helier, are divided into Districts. Parishes with smaller populations have only one Deputy for the whole Parish. You can only vote for candidates who are standing for Deputy in the Parish or District where you live.
The States of Jersey
The main responsibilities of the States of Jersey are to:
- pass laws and regulations
- approve annual estimates of public expenditure
- appoint a Council of Ministers to be responsible for public business
- appoint a Public Accounts Committee and scrutiny panels to hold the executive to account
- determine policy
- debate and decide issues of public importance
- consider petitions
- represent the people of Jersey
