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Counting down to Jersey’s fifth annual Democracy Week

Next week, a programme of events kicks off to help inform and engage Islanders of all ages with the States Assembly – Jersey's elected parliament. From Islanders debating in the States Chamber to pop-up stands where the public can share their views with Members on the proposed budget, to 'An Introduction to Jersey Politics' – there's something for everyone.

People's Debate

For the first time, Islanders are invited to take part in a People's Debate on Saturday 28 September in the home of Jersey's legislative assembly. The topic for debate will explore how ambitious the island should be in pursuing its net zero target for carbon emissions. This unique opportunity gives people real-life experience of debating and voting, with the Bailiff of Jersey, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, presiding. The closing date for applications has now passed but the public gallery will be open from 9:45am and the debate will be streamed live via the States Assembly YouTube channel.

Pop-up Stands

Islanders are being encouraged to share their views with States Members on the Government's proposed Budget at one of the Democracy Week pop-up stands:

• Monday 23 September at Charing Cross, St. Helier, 12-2pm.
• Tuesday 24 September at Waitrose in St. Saviour, 12-2pm.
• Wednesday 25 September at Waitrose in St. Brelade, 12-2pm.
• Thursday 26 September at the Co-op in St. Peter, 12-2pm.
• Friday 27 September at West Centre in St Helier, 12-2pm.

Guided Tours

Islanders can sign up for a free tour of the States Chamber or join a democracy themed guided walk around St. Helier with accredited Blue Badge Guides.

The tour of the States Chamber is a unique opportunity to have a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the States Assembly and discover its history. The tour starts outside the Royal Court entrance and takes around one hour. The democracy themed guided walking tour uncovers the political history of the Island while strolling the streets, lanes and squares of St. Helier, taking around one and a half hours.

Both are free but bookings are required via Eventbrite. Alternatively, you can book a group Corporate and Community Tour for your team or organisation throughout the year by emailing statesgreffe@gov.je.

'My Island' Photography Competition

All entries, including the winners and runners up, from the 'My Island' photography competition will be displayed in the Royal Square from Thursday 19 – Sunday 29 September.

Celebrating one year of the States Assembly Podcast

The States Assembly Podcast is now a year old. It was launched as part of Democracy Week 2023 and there are now 14 episodes created to help Islanders get to know the States Assembly and get the most out of it. Anyone looking for a quick overview of how Jersey's political system works should listen to Jersey Politics 101, which gives a rundown of the essential information in less than 20 minutes. Other popular episodes include Jersey Scrutiny 101, Petition Power, and Appointing Ministers. The full list of episodes is available on the States Assembly website and Islanders can subscribe to the series on major podcast platforms like Apple and Spotify.

School Activities

States Members will visit several of the Island's primary and secondary schools and colleges during the week to deliver informative assemblies and workshops, as well as assisting some of them with their own school elections. Students at Highlands College will also get a chance to question States Members.

All primary schools have also been provided with Democracy Week activity packs, which include the opportunity for students to take part in a competition to design an election poster to be in with the chance to win a day trip to visit Westminster and have a tour around the UK Parliament.

Introduction to Jersey Politics in Portuguese at Jersey Library

There will be two opportunities for Portuguese-speakers to learn more about Jersey's political system and how they can get involved. The sessions are free to attend and booking is not required. Both sessions will take place in the coffee lounge at Jersey Library on Halkett Place, where there will be an opportunity to ask questions. The sessions will take place:

• Wednesday 25 September, 12:30 – 13:30
• Thursday 26 September, 18:00 – 19:00

Online guides to the States Assembly

'The States Simplified', a five-minute animated videos giving Islanders everything they need to know about the States Assembly, will be released in Portuguese, Polish and Romanian, helping more Islanders to access this useful content.

Vote of the Day

Topical questions about potential changes to increase engagement with elections will be posted on digital screens and social media channels to give Islanders the chance to share their views.

Carina Alves, Chair of the Political Awareness and Education Sub-Committee of PPC, explained: 'We are really excited to have such a broad programme of events and activities to engage Islanders at every age and stage of political engagement. With two years until the next election, we're particularly pleased to be offering Islanders the chance to experience what it is like to debate in the Chamber.

We always try to include activities that live on beyond Democracy Week and having our 5-minute 'explainer' videos and States Assembly information booklets launching in Portuguese, Polish and Romanian means that more Islanders will be able to access information about the Assembly and, we hope, feel empowered to get involved.'