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Democracy Week

Democracy Week

19 - 26 September 2026

Democracy Week takes place each September and is a chance for Islanders to learn about and get involved with Jersey's political system.

The aim is to support everyone in understanding and feeling empowered and confident to make their voice heard at every stage of the electoral cycle. Democracy Week coincides with the anniversary of the Corn Riots which took place on 28 September 1769 and was the catalyst for the legislative reforms in 1771 which led to the States Assembly becoming Jersey’s only law-making body.

Summary of Public Events

Saturday 19 September

  • Blue Badge guided Royal Court and States Chamber Tour: Please note there is a small fee for this 2-hour event to cover the professional guides.  
  • Pop-up stand at the Jersey Farmers Market at Le Tacheron Farm, Trinity, which is open from 10am to 2pm. The pop-up offers Islanders the chance to chat informally with States Members

Monday 21 September

  • Pastries and Politics: Monday 21 September, at The Hub, Windward House, from 8am to 9.30am. This morning event is aimed at businesses and those working in St. Helier. 
  • Pop-up stand at the Town Library from 11am – 1pm

Tuesday 22 September

Wednesday 23 September

  • Pop-up stand in the Central Market from 12-2pm

Thursday 24 September

Friday 25 September

  • Democracy on the Move: Friday 25 September, a guided circular walk from the Jersey Pearl Café in St. Ouen, followed by a cuppa and chat in the café. The 45-minute walk will start at 10am from Jersey Pearl and culminate at the café on the Jersey Pearl site until 11.30am. All welcome. 
  • 'Enemies of Liberty: Two Rivals Who Died for Democracy': 5.30pm, St. Helier. A ‘Tall Tales’ tour with Toby Clyde-Smith: ‘You’ve heard the names, or maybe you haven't, but do you know the feud? Pierre Le Sueur and François Godfray were Jersey’s greatest political enemies, locked in a struggle that would change everything. This tour tracks their history - and the scars they left on the map. Pick a side and uncover the bitter truth behind two people who gave their lives for the Island.’  

Saturday 26 September

Democracy Week also marks the first meeting of the 2026-2027 Jersey Youth Assembly (JYA). JYA member numbers are not capped and we welcome sign-ups from 14-19 year-olds via the Jersey Youth Assembly page.

A further programme of educational and outreach events has been scheduled directly with schools, college, charities and businesses. 

Below, you will find further details on the timing of events and how to access and/or book tickets.

Democracy Week Events

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Monday 21 September 2026 Democracy Week: Pastries and Politics - Business Breakfast Event (FREE)

The Hub, BDO Windward House, St. Helier, JE2 3BQ
Directions to venue

8:00am to 9:30am

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Monday 21 September 2026 Democracy Week: Pop-up stand (FREE)

Jersey Public Library, St. Helier
Directions to venue

11:00am to 1:00pm

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Tuesday 22 September 2026 Democracy Café: Join the Conversation (FREE)

Salvation Army Jersey, Minden Street, St. Helier, JE2 4SU
Directions to venue

10:00am to 11:30am

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States Chamber Tour - explore the heart of Jersey's democracy

Join our free guided tours of the States Chamber on Tuesday 22 September and Thursday 24 September to understand more about Jersey’s political system and how it works.

During this informative behind-the-scenes tour, you'll discover:

  • How our elected parliament works and the history that shaped it
  • How decisions are made that impact every day life in our Island

You might even get to see the Royal Mace!

Tour information:

  • Meeting point: outside the States Members’ entrance of the States Assembly building in the Royal Square  
  • Time: 12pm-1pm
  • Tickets: free but booking is essential.
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St. Helier walking tour - discover the heroes from Jersey's past

Join us for a free guided 90-minute stroll through St Helier on Thursday 24 September and Saturday 26 September to delve into the Island’s democratic history in a fun and informative way, with a humorous twist.

You’ll be greeted by your Jersey Uncovered, Blue Badge Guide and embark on a time travelling journey around the squares, streets, and lanes of town. You’ll uncover quirky and fascinating facts about the Island’s political history and how it has shaped our political system of today. Find out:

  • About the Jersey heroes and villains 
  • Where the battles and riots took place
  • Where did the phrase “the States of Jersey” derive from? 
  • Why are our laws based on both French and English laws
  • Why are people like Ivy Forster, Philippe Le Geyt, Caroline Trachy, Philippe Falle, Stephanie Nicole, Thomas Pipon, and Pierre le Sueur so significant in our history. 

Meeting point: Royal Square, St. Helier, by the statue of King George II. 

Time: 10am - 11.30am (The tour will finish at the Victorian Markets – the centre of town trade then and now)

Tickets: free but booking is essential.

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Constituency Drop-ins with States Members

If you're interested in speaking with your elected representative during Democracy Week, make sure you check out the Constituency Drop-ins with States Members.

Our full schedule of Constituency Drop-ins can be found in our calendar of events:

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Monday 21 September 2026 St. Helier South Constituency Drop-in

Beresford Street Kitchen, 17 Beresford Street, St. Helier, JE2 4WN
Directions to venue

11:00am to 12:00pm

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Monday 21 September 2026 St. Helier Central Constituency Drop-in

St. Helier Town Hall, York Street, St. Helier, JE4 8PA
Directions to venue

12:00pm to 2:00pm

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Monday 21 September 2026 St. Brelade Constituency Drop-in

Communicare Café, La Route des Quennevais, St. Brelade, JE3 8LJ
Directions to venue

12:00pm to 1:00pm

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Education and Outreach Activities

In addition, a range of educational and outreach activities will take place, including:

  • Final of the Year 8 'Mark My Words' Oracy Competition
  • First meeting of the school year for the Jersey Youth Assembly
  • Visits to and from schools across the Island led by States Members
  • Democracy Week resource packs distributed to schools and colleges
  • Competitions for primary school students
  • Key Stage 2 Competition for primary school students
  • 'Meet the Member' events with community groups

If you would like to organise for your school, college, business or charity to visit the States Chamber or have a 'Your States Assembly' presentation and Q&A in your place of work, please email [email protected].

Events over past years have included: