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When you hear 'Constable' or 'Deputy', what first comes to mind?
A well-known Jersey poet is encouraging islanders to register to vote and engage in local politics through quirky videos he hopes will act as "a starting point" for islanders to build electoral literacy.
John Henry Falle – more commonly know as 'The Story Beast' – said that "none of this should be insider knowledge for locals".
In his first film, created with the States Greffe and the International Cultural Centre, The Story Beast gives an introduction to Jersey politics.
“Honestly, when I tell people I'm making a film trying to get people in Jersey to vote, the first thing they say is 'Good luck with that!' and I get it!" said The Story Beast.
"The reasons people give for why they don't vote in the island is enough to make your head explode.
"However, you begin engaging by building Electoral Literacy from a young age and making people aware of that most basic of Rights, the Right to Vote… which only takes two minutes by the way… You could apply right now ahead of the 2026 election and still have time for a cup of tea."
Watch: The Story Beast presents 'Can I Even Vote In Jersey?', the first of two videos for Democracy Week.
The Story Beast explained that the film – called 'Can I Even Vote In Jersey? (and other stupid questions)' – is about "answering some of the most basic questions" to "make the sort of resource I wish I'd had at school".
Some of the questions that The Story Beast and Director Will Robinson attempt to answer in the film include: How do I vote? What's the difference between a Constable and a Deputy? How do I know who to vote for?
"None of this should be insider knowledge for locals," said The Story Beast. "These are your representatives in your assembly and you need to know that they are ultimately accountable to you, the (potential) voter.
"Of course, once you know the basics, it all gets very complicated very quickly but this film is a starting point.
"So give us seven minutes and 20 seconds of precious eyeball time and after that we shall release you to a lifetime participating in Jersey's national pastime: grumbling.”
The video points to some of the most shocking stats on voter engagement in Jersey: at the last election, turnout was 41.7% among registered voters - but much lower among certain groups.
Only 17% of under-35s voted, and only 18% of people living in urban areas. Among social renters, only 16% cast a ballot.
Molly Jehan, Education Manager at the States Greffe, said: "We're constantly looking for new ways to inform and engage islanders about how Jersey's political system works and how people can have their say.
"We have been thrilled to work with The Story Beast on 'Can I even vote in Jersey?' to make this important topic fun and accessible."
Watch: Islanders share their own reasons for engaging with democracy.
The second video in the series, 'Why Does Politics Matter?', features islanders answering that very question.
Molly explained: "Our 'Why Does Politics Matter?' video captures a snapshot of islanders' views and showcases the importance of celebrating Jersey's democracy.
"I hope that these videos, alongside the range of other resources, events and activities being launched during Democracy Week, we can encourage everyone to feel more empowered to have their say on local issues throughout the political term - and, of course, to vote in the next election in 2026."
Victoria Li, Project Manager at the Jersey International Cultural Centre, added: "Jersey International Cultural Centre is proud to support the States Greffe in their mission to foster a thriving democracy in Jersey.
"We believe that cultural diversity and understanding are essential pillars of a strong, inclusive democracy, and we are committed to promoting civic engagement and political participation within our community."
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