Electoral Commission sets out 13 recommendations for change ahead of next general election

Constituency boundaries, e-voting and language barriers among highlighted issues

Significant constituency changes may be needed ahead of any future boundary review on the Island.

The Isle of Man’s Electoral Commission has published a 62-page report after carrying out analysis of the way general elections are conducted.

It’s made 13 recommendations for consideration ahead of the 2026 election which include new legislation hard capping the maximum voter population per constituency at ±15 percent of the average of all constituencies.

At this stage the commission is recommending limited boundary changes to reduce the electoral constituency size of two constituencies - Ramsey and Glenfaba and Peel.   

The average voting population across all 12 constituencies is approximately 7,005 people, and each constituency is represented by two Members of the House of Keys.

The commission says its recommendations include proposals for the short-term and longer-term and hopes the suggestions will enable the Isle of Man to continue ‘leading the way’ in democratic participation.

Recommendation 1

Tynwald affirm that the Island should continue to adhere to international standards by ensuring that each constituency is of approximately equal size by population, maintaining the maximum permitted departure from the average in any constituency at 15 percent.

Recommendation 2

Legislation should be brought forward to ensure the maximum permitted discrepancy from the average constituency size is 15 percent of the average voter population.

Recommendation 3

Existing 12 two-seat constituencies remain unchanged but boundaries between Middle and Glenfaba and Peel, and Ayre and Michael and Ramsey be adjusted to ensure equivalency.

Recommendation 4

An Electoral Commission be re-appointed following 2026’s general election to carry out a further review of boundaries but only in the event of a significant change to population and its distribution.

Recommendation 5

A full accessibility audit be undertaken at every polling station to ensure there is sufficient parking with disabled spaces and access to bus routes.

At least one polling station in each constituency should be fully accessible and publicised as such.

Recommendation 6

Costed proposals be put forward by the Clerk of Tynwald for electoral awareness aimed at those who are new to the Isle of Man and people who have English as a second language.

Recommendation 7

The Council of Ministers commission a feasibility study scoping out the potential of introducing e-voting, whilst considering technical and legal implications including a cost benefit analysis.

All efforts should be taken to enable more automated elections including the full digitisation of the Electoral Register and online registration.

Recommendation 8

Improved cooperation between the Cabinet Office, local authorities, and captains of the parish.

Pre-election meetings should be delegated to the captains of the parish or local authority with agreement of the Cabinet Office, instead of the returning officer, but expenses being paid by the Cabinet Office

Recommendation 9

Streamline and promote postal voting processes with the aid of technology and consider support for deputy returning officers.

Recommendation 10

Certifying officers be appointed to accommodate cases where it is not practicably reasonable for a voter to make use of any other available voting options.

Recommendation 11

All processes be documented by the returning officer in a manual, and training materials produced for the Deputy Returning Officer and election staff.  Incentives should be explored to encouraged to ensure training is undertaken in advance of polling day.

Recommendation 12

Voters should be able to vote at any polling station within their constituency.

Recommendation 13

Clear guidance should be made available with regard to whom a complaint should be made and actions that can be taken, following damage, defacement and removal of election materials.

You can find the report in full HERE.