The Registration of Electors Bill 2020 had its second reading in the House of Keys last week and came with a warning for residents.

Under the new Bill, all residents who are eligible to register must go on the list or risk a £1,000 fine.

Policy and Reform Minister Chris Thomas, who is leading the Bill’s progress through the Keys, supports a new system based on the principle of individual and continuous registration.

It also comes with the ability to verify information against other government data.

Under clause six of the Bill, all qualifying individuals must be registered on the electoral roll.

Anyone failing to provide the information required by the electoral registration officer will in future be dealt with by way of a fine of up to £1,000.

Residents are also required to update their information, whether that be a change of address or if they leave the island.

Knowingly providing false information will remain a criminal matter.

However, any vulnerable people will be able to be placed on an anonymous roll which is not made public.

Mr Thomas said: ’The current registration system, in which a full postal canvass is conducted on a household basis each year, is outdated.

’The new legislation will improve the process for electors and make it more efficient for government by moving to a new system based on individual and lifelong registration.

’The proposed changes will result in a more accurate and complete register, supporting efforts to strengthen political engagement and increase turnout at elections.’