Female empowerment group Level Up Club has urged women across the island to use their vote in Thursday’s General Election.

The group, run by founder Ealish Corlett, shared an eight-picture carousel on social media encouraging women to learn more about the candidates and issues before heading to the polls on Thursday (September 24).

The post signposted followers to look into resources including candidate manifestos and online debates, while encouraging them to ask questions, look beyond social media comments and speak to those around them about their views.

Ealish said: ‘You don’t need to know everything about politics. You just need to give yourself enough information to make the decision that feels right to you.

‘We’re not here to tell you who to vote for. We’re simply encouraging you to find out more, and use your voice on Thursday, September 24.’

The campaign highlighted how political decisions can affect areas including healthcare, housing, education, the environment, rights and everyday life.

It also explored the history of women’s voting rights on the island, noting that Tynwald became the first national parliament to give women the vote in a general election in 1881.

Universal adult suffrage followed in 1919, while Marion Shimmin became the first woman elected to the House of Keys in 1933.

The group said the history of women’s political representation should serve as a reminder of the importance of using the vote.

Ealish added: ‘If we learned anything from our “Polichics” event earlier this year, it’s the importance of using your vote. It isn’t our place to tell anyone who to vote for, but we are passionate about encouraging people to learn about their choices, use their democratic right, make their voices heard and cast their vote.’

‘Every vote matters and collectively they help shape the future of our island.’