ISLANDERS thinking of putting themselves forward for next summer’s election are being invited to sign up to a new course designed to teach them about the roles and responsibilities of States Members.
The course – which is being organised by vote.je – will is free to attend and will last six weeks and offers guidance on standing for election in Jersey, public speaking tips and how both the States Assembly and the government works and operates.
Organisations including the States Greffe, Government of Jersey, and the States of Jersey Police are set to be involved, while attendees will also be told about the rules surrounding election advertising.
Head of digital and public engagement, Jenny O’Brien, said: “We understand that putting yourself out there by standing for election is a big decision. Candidates often find themselves dealing with situations they’re not used to or have not previously experienced, such as hustings. We really want to ensure that anyone who’s thinking about standing next June has the chance to learn more about what it involves, to help them navigate the election period and beyond.
“We’ve designed the course to be as flexible as possible, with a variety of different sessions that potential candidates can pick from. This is the first time we’ve offered a course like this and we’re already seeing a lot of interest in it.”
The 2026 election is set to be held on a Sunday for the first time, with Islanders heading to the polls on 7 June. Next summer’s election will also see the return of Senators after Treasury Minister Elaine Millar brought a successful proposition to the Assembly earlier this year to reinstate the Islandwide mandate.
The course is due to begin on Wednesday 28 January, with sessions between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Those considering standing for election are under no obligation to attend while those who choose to attend are also not committed to standing.
