Standing for Election

Candidates for Deputy must be:

At least 18 years old and are a British citizen who has been resident in Jersey: (a) for at least two years up to and including the day of the election, or (b) for six months up to and including the day of the election, as well as a total period of five years previously.

Candidates for Constable must be:

At least 18 years old and are a British citizen who has been resident in Jersey: (a) for at least two years up to and including the day of the election, or (b) for six months up to and including the day of the election, as well as a total period of five years previously. Constable candidates also need to live in the Parish they wish to represent.

Applying for British Citizenship:

You must be a British citizen to be able to stand for election to the States Assembly. If you plan to stand for election in 2026 and you do not currently have British citizenship, you will need to follow the application process explained on the Government of Jersey website: Applying to become a British citizen.

It is important to note that it can take up to 12 months for citizenship applications to be processed, so it is advisable to start your application as soon as possible if you want to be eligible to stand for election in time for 2026.

A democracy like Jersey needs politicians from all walks of life – an Assembly that is representative of the full breadth of the Island’s population. The public wants to see people who are like them and understand their challenges and aspirations.

Think about how your life experiences and your perspective could represent people who may not have previously had a voice.  The States Assembly and Scrutiny benefits from a range of views – including yours. Just because you don’t feel there’s anyone in the Assembly right now who looks or seems to be like you, doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t stand for election.

As an elected representative, there is a lot more to the role than just turning up to States debates. Read our guide on What a States Member Does.

There is currently a diverse range of States Members, from women with young families to small business owners, individuals with caring responsibilities, and retired professionals. The role can be flexible, with States Meetings and Scrutiny business planned well in advance making it possible to balance your existing commitments with the work of the States.

You will receive a salary, and while you can maintain outside interests, it’s important that these are declared so there’s no conflict of interest. More information on this will be provided closer to the election.

Pay and Benefits

The remuneration and benefits offered to States Members were reviewed in 2023 by an independent reviewer. They determined that the role was full-time and difficult to combine with other significant professional commitments. These were the findings:

• All States Members should receive a salary of £53,875, regardless of role
• The employer contribution towards a States Member’s pension should be aligned with other public servants at 16%
• A loss of office payment should be made for those who have served and stand for election again, but are unsuccessful, similar to a notice period. From 2026, existing States Members who do not get re-elected will receive a month’s salary per year of service, up to maximum of four years, on top of their final month’s pay after the elections.

Other job?

If you are working as an employee of the States of Jersey, you will need to leave that job once you have confirmed your candidacy. The nature of the role also means that you would be unable to manage a full-time role elsewhere while also being a Deputy or Constable.

Public figure

Election candidates and elected States Members are public figures and it is important to recognise the potential challenges that come with this. If elected, there is support and training from the States Greffe to help you carry out your role effectively while in the public eye.

The States Greffe provides a package of free training for potential candidates. You can watch all the videos we produce via our Youtube channel.

States Members term of office is for four years. When a new election is called Members can stand for re-election. There is no limit to the number of times you can stand for re-election in Jersey

If you choose to stand for election then your name and photo will be made public. You will be invited to provide a summary to Vote.je outlining your views on Island issues so that the public know what you believe in. This will be available on Vote.je and in printed materials which will be sent to all Island households.

There is no limit to the number of times you can stand for election, whether you have been successfully elected or not.

To find out more, and receive updates and information, register your interest on our form at the bottom of this page. We appreciate you may wish to remain anonymous at this stage so you do not need to give your name. Your email address will be held securely by the States Greffe and used only for the purpose of sharing information about standing for election.

You do not need any qualifications or experience to stand for election. You simply need to meet the eligibility requirements, and be willing to do the job.

In advance of the next election, it is important to start thinking about your political priorities and why you want to stand, so that you can articulate this to prospective voters. Are you going to stand as an independent candidate, or do you feel your views align with others?

Independent candidates

You can stand for election to the States Assembly as an independent candidate with no connection to a political party. Previous election candidates say that standing as an independent gives them the flexibility to act on their own political views without having to be tied to a group manifesto.

Party candidates

Members of political parties often talk about the benefits of being part of a supportive group of liked-minded individuals. They value being able to campaign and work with others on the basis of the same manifesto or political goals. If party politics appeals to you, there are two options: join an existing party or start a new one.

If you are interested in joining one of the existing political parties, get in touch with them now:

Reform Jersey

Jersey Liberal Conservatives

If you want to start your own political party, here’s a guide on how to get started.

You will be entitled to be absent from the States because of ‘parental responsibilities’ and can return to your States duties afterwards.

If you meet the above requirements to be able to stand for election, you can stand. The States Greffe offers support throughout the election period to all candidates.

You will be entitled to sick leave.

If you stand for election you will need to complete a declaration of convictions.

You can step down from the election at any point. If you step down after the prepoll and postal voting has opened your name may still be on the ballot paper, but votes cast for you will not be counted.

Further questions about standing for election can be sent to Greffier Lisa Hart (L.Hart@gov.je).