Public consultation over proposed changes to how elections are run

Legislative amendments could be in place by next HoK general election

Members of the public are being consulted over proposed changes to the way in which elections are run on the Island.

A number of the suggested alterations require legislative amendments; the intention is to have them in place in time for the next House of Keys general election in September 2026.

Some of the legal changes relate to feedback from an international delegation of observers who oversaw the 2021 poll.

The amendments, if passed, will mean:

• Voters can cast their vote at any polling station within their constituency
• Candidates, political parties or community organisations will be able to arrange pre-election meetings in-person or online at times and locations that work best for their local community
• All candidates’ declarations of relevant interests will be published in advance of an election
• IOM Constabulary will support deputy returning officers to address anyone committing a breach of the peace, or any offence, during an election
• Tellers would not be bound by the requirement of secrecy so that they can lawfully perform their role
• Changes to how investigations by Tynwald and the House of Keys could trigger the removal of an elected official from office
• Clarifying the definition of ‘election regulations’ to be clear that they relate to either national or local authority elections

A public consultation will run until 29 January – you can find a link to it HERE.

You can also request a paper copy by calling 685201 or by emailing elections@gov.im.