Residents in Marown are heading back to the polls today (Thursday) for a second time in just over two weeks.

The parish is holding a by-election for a seat on Marown Commissioners following the resignation of commissioner John Lovelady, who stepped down because of increasing personal commitments.

Two candidates, Kirsty Amanda Collister and Oksana Hargreaves, are standing for the vacant position.

The polling station at Crosby Methodist Church Hall will be open from 8am to 8pm today.

The Crown and Elections Team has confirmed that residents can still vote if they have not received a polling card, while photo ID is not a legal requirement on the Isle of Man.

A requisition meeting was held on Monday evening, giving residents the opportunity to hear from and question both candidates.

Marown Commissioners said it had been a ‘fantastic turnout’ and thanked both candidates and parishioners who attended.

Kirsty Collister, who grew up in the parish and attended Marown Primary School, said she was standing because she was passionate about helping her local community thrive.

She has experience with a number of local organisations and committees and currently works as a volunteer coordinator at Hospice.

If elected, she said she would work to support residents with local issues and build a strong relationship with Marown’s MHKs and central Government.

Oksana Hargreaves, who is standing for the Transform party, has centred her campaign on a series of practical local issues.

Her manifesto includes a commitment to reopen the public toilets at the Hall Caine Pavilion, seek designated TT and Manx Grand Prix parking for Crosby Meadows residents, and address flooding and drainage problems on local footpaths.

She has also pledged to restore what she calls the Glen Vine Nature Trail, improve maintenance around the parish, establish a Glen Vine Village Day and hold monthly drop-in sessions for residents.

The by-election is separate from the General Election held on September 24, which saw residents across the island elect Members of the House of Keys.

This time, the decision is solely about who will represent Marown at local authority level.