By now, you should have received a letter in the post from the government asking you to register for the island’s Electoral Register.

This is a legal requirement to complete, and enables us all to vote in the upcoming local authority and general elections. Even if you don’t want to vote, it needs completing and returning before March 18.

If you’ve not really engaged in local politics before, or are new to the island and don’t know what happens, here is an overview of what to expect.

WHAT ARE THE LOCAL

AUTHORITY ELECTIONS?

This year’s Local Authority Election were meant to take place on Thursday, April 22, but will now take place later in the year.

There are 21 local authorities in the island, with representatives (except for Douglas) known as commissioners. In Douglas, they are councillors. This year, the number of councillors has been reduced from 18 to 12.

To stand, you require people to propose and second you and eight assentors who sign a form to support your candidature.

From there, it differs for each candidate and where they are standing.

Some rely on social media, while others produce a one-page manifesto. Other candidates produce more literature for the voters to consider and call around to speak to potential voters.

Standing as a councillor or commissioner is not a paid role, but those who stand will be given the opportunity to make a difference to the wider public of the island and make their voices heard with regards to policy, laws, income taxes and rates, amongst other causes.

WHAT’S THE HOUSE OF

KEYS GENERAL ELECTION?

Every five years, residents vote to elect 24 Members of the House of Keys in 12 constituencies represented by two members each.

The island’s government manages the process from candidates declaring to stand, to running the actual election on the nominated day. During an election everyone eligible to cast a vote in a constituency selects two candidates to be their MHK.

This general election will be held on Thursday, September 23, the last was in 2016.

Twelve won their seats back and there were 12 new members.

MHKs can assist constituents by making private enquiries on their behalf, or raising matters publicly in the Keys and Tynwald parliament.

Most MHKs are not affiliated to a political party and sit as independents.

Lawrie Hooper MHK for Ramsey stands for the Liberal Vannin Party. Other parties are the Manx Labour Party, the Green Party and Mec Vannin, which no longer stands.

The current pandemic may affect how people campaign in person and so it may need to be done online if the lockdown extends or social distancing is in place. Matters of fairness and equality come into effect and this year will no doubt be a challenging one for Manx candidates who stand.

WHAT’S IT LIKE

BEING ELECTED?

One man who believes door-to-door campaigning to be the most effective is retired politician David Cretney.

He began his career in 1985 as a member of the House of Keys for the Manx Labour Party and represented Douglas South. He was re-elected in 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011. Mr Cretney was elected as a member of the Legislative Council in March 2015 until February 2020.

He said of his time in Manx politics: ’I have always believed that "knocking on doors" is critical to any campaign.

’I first became involved in Manx politics when the government of the day wished to run 40-tonne trucks, 24 hours a day, seven days a week between Foxdale and Douglas on the breakwater extension. I felt this was unreasonable on all the people who lived along the route and organised a petition.

’I also supported the successful campaign to stop an incinerator with far less advanced technology being sited in the middle of South Douglas. I then joined the Manx Labour Party and successfully contested the town council election in 1983.

’When I first stood for the House of Keys in 1985 the governor still presided over Tynwald. There was no ministerial system, which led to a very prominent politician of the day describing the House of Keys as "24 unguided missiles". Politicians who held official positions were not accountable in the same way for their actions as they should be today. There was no organised scrutiny of government. There were 3,500 people out of work from a lower working population and no financial reserves to speak of. Social legislation was decades out of date. Housing conditions for many were primitive.

’Today an elected Member presides over Tynwald. Ministers and the Council of Ministers (if members are carrying out their role correctly) can be held much more to account. It is recognised however that some more immature assemblies use a block vote rather than listening to others views sometimes.’

Mr Cretney continued: ’As a minister for 18 years it was always a challenge balancing those responsibilities with looking after a busy Douglas South constituency, but I fortunately had an electorate who trusted me over seven elections. This is most important as trust is lacking in many elected members in many administrations in part at least as the result of politicians self interest.’

Mr Cretney’s daughter, Sarah Maltby, is standing for the Manx Labour Party in this year’s general election. He commented: ’Sarah is under no misapprehension as to the commitment required and has for years wanted to stand for election. She is most definitely her own person and I know she has the same qualities of honesty, sincerity and sharing the same concerns of those she is seeking to represent.’

When asked why people should care about Manx politics, he said: ’Politics is about every part of everyone’s life. I was involved in the move to lower the voting age to 16 where the Isle of Man led as it did for extending the vote to females before adjacent jurisdictions.

’So I think there are many issues that will affect young people in the future, including of course climate change and I think many young people have clearly indicated their views, which I welcome. I also believe with many people living longer there’s a multitude of potential issues that need to be faced for that generation. I know some people are cynical about politics, but if you are genuine you can obtain real trust and engagement and make changes as part of a team to leave our island in a better state than you inherited it. I encourage everyone to participate.’