JERSEY is getting ready to vote. Islanders will head to the polls on Sunday to choose who will represent them for the next four years.
But how does the Island’s election actually work — and who are people choosing? Here’s a simple guide to the big vote coming up.
What is an election?
An election is when people vote to choose who they want to represent them in government.
In Jersey, elections decide who will help make important decisions about Island life. That includes schools, hospitals, roads, sports facilities, housing, the environment and how money is spent.
Only people over the age of 16 can vote in Jersey elections.
What is Jersey’s parliament called?
Jersey’s parliament is called the States Assembly. This is the group of elected politicians who debate ideas, vote on laws and make decisions for the Island.
Within the States Assembly,
The States Assembly meets in the Royal Court building in St Helier. Debates can sometimes last for hours – especially when politicians disagree!
Who can you vote for?
There are three main types of elected politicians in Jersey.
1. Deputies
Each Deputy represents a district, which is an area of the Island. Their job is to speak up for local people and help decide on Island-wide issues too.
There are more Deputies than any other type of politician in the States Assembly.
2. Constables
Jersey’s 12 parishes each elect one Constable.
Constables have two jobs at the same time: they lead their parish, and they also sit in the States Assembly.
That means they deal with local parish matters, such as honorary police and parish services, while also helping make Island laws.
3. Senators
Senators are elected by voters across the whole Island.
That means every voter in Jersey can vote for Senatorial candidates, no matter which parish or district they live in.
For the 2026 election, Jersey is bringing back Senators.
After the election, the States Assembly will have nine Senators, 28 Deputies and 12 Constables, making 49 elected Members in total.
What does the Chief Minister do?
After the election, the politicians choose one of their members to become the Chief Minister.
This person leads Jersey’s government and helps decide its main plans and priorities.
The Chief Minister then chooses ministers to look after different areas, such as health, education or the environment.
You can think of it a bit like a team captain choosing players for different positions.
How does voting work?
On election day, voters go to polling stations to fill in a ballot paper.
People place an “X” beside the names of the candidates they want to support.
After voting ends, ballot papers are counted and results are announced — sometimes late into the night.
The candidates with the most votes win.
Why does this matter?
The people elected this year will help shape Jersey’s future for the next few years.
Their decisions could affect things young people care about – including bus fares, climate action, school funding, sports clubs and places to hang out with friends.
Even if you are too young to vote now, understanding elections is important. One day, these choices will be yours to make too.
And who knows? A future Deputy or Chief Minister reading this article might still be sitting in a classroom today.
