Same-day electoral registration could be considered as part of a root and branch review of the island’s ‘increasingly outdated’ election legislation.
Onchan MHK Zac Hall suggested in Tynwald that allowing people to register to vote on the day of an election, as introduced in some US states, could boost voter turn-out at the polls.
Mr Hall said it would be a ‘golden opportunity’ for the island to lead the way, helping those who simply forget to register or don’t know you have to register, and those who frequently move.
Chief Minister Allan Bell said the system had not yet been considered in any detail.
He said: ‘While there is some evidence that same-day electoral registration increases voter turn-out, it comes at a significant technical and administrative cost.
‘The Council of Ministers is committed to root and branch review of the island’s increasingly outdated election legislation after next year’s general election. This review could include a more detailed investigation of same-day electoral registration.’
Concerns were expressed at last month’s by-elections in Douglas North and South that thousands of names have been taken off the voters’ list when the electoral register was updated.
John Houghton (Douglas North) claimed voters had been turned away at the polling station only to be called back when their completed registration forms were found after a search.
Bill Malarkey, who was victorious in the Douglas South by-election, suggested a simple amendment could allow names to be put on the voters’ list seven days before a by-election just as they can in a general election. Mr Bell replied that this was an anomaly that was being looked into.
The Chief Minister rejected a call by LibVan leader Kate Beecroft (Douglas South) for online voting. Mr Bell said while it had many attractions, it was still an unsecure way of voting.
He also rejected a suggestion by Speaker Steve Rodan for an international election observer mission. He replied, somewhat pointedly: ‘I understand Mr Speaker has just returned from a similar mission in BVI and I am sure his experience will be undoubtedly beneficial to the Isle of Man, but the answer is no.’