The deadline is fast approaching for people to respond to the 2018 update of the Isle of Man’s electoral register.
More than 23,000 households have so far responded to the annual canvass, which is necessary to capture changes of address and any revisions to the list of householders eligible to vote or serve on a jury.
Residents are responsible for keeping their entries up to date and reminders have been sent to a further 20,000 households who have yet to submit the required information.
Being on the electoral register does not mean that a person must vote, but it is a legal requirement to provide the information when asked to do so by the Electoral Registration Officer.
Confirmation can be provided online or via telephone or text if a household’s information remains unchanged. People can also respond online to notify the Government of any changes to the details printed on their form.
There is still an option to complete the paper form and return it in the pre-paid envelope provided, but responses via computer, tablet or phone are encouraged. As well as being quicker and easier for householders, it is more efficient for the Electoral Registration Office, as it costs three times more to deal with paper and postal returns than it does for online, telephone or text channels.
The requested information must be provided by 18 March 2018. Failure to provide the information without a reasonable excuse is an offence under the Registration of Electors Act 2006. Prosecutions may be considered if the forms are not returned.
Individuals who do not qualify to be registered because they have not been resident in the Island in the period from 31 March 2017 are asked to return the form, marked with 'none of the residents meet the residential qualifications'.
Any household that has not yet received a registration form or has queries should contact the Electoral Registration Unit as soon as possible on +44 1624 685754 or by email.
Further information can be found on the Government website.
