People who don’t register to vote are committing an offence.

This week registration forms are being posted to all households in the Isle of Man.

The electoral register will then be updated.

The government says the annual canvass helps to capture the information required to maintain an accurate record of people who are eligible to vote or serve on a jury.

It is a legal requirement to respond to the annual canvass, even if an individual chooses not to exercise their democratic right to vote.

In a press statement the government warns that not being registered can also affect a person’s credit reference history and potentially result in an application for a mortgage, loan or mobile phone contract being refused.

For most households the printed details on their registration form, such as the address and list of eligible voters living at the property, will remain unchanged.

The government says that if there are no big changes people can respond in less than a minute via a telephone call, text message or online.

The online option is also available for people to notify the electoral registration unit of any amendments to the prepopulated information.

Responses can still be provided by completing and signing the paper form and returning it in the pre-paid envelope provided.

However, officials say they’d prefer people to complete the form online because it’s cheaper for the taxpayer.

They also say they’re hoping to introduce e-canvassing for households who wish to be contacted by email rather than by post.

Electoral registration officer Della Fletcher said: ’An accurate electoral register is vital to the integrity of the island’s democratic process. We need to update our information every year to capture any changes of address or revisions to the list of eligible voters in a household.’

She added: ’We are continuing to improve the process to make it simpler and more convenient for everyone. With a phone call, text or a few clicks online, people can now respond in a matter of seconds.’

The deadline for responses to the 2019 annual canvass is March 18.

Further information about the electoral registration process and who is eligible to vote can be found on the government website or by contacting [email protected] or tel: 685741.