Record voter numbers for Isle of Man General Election

The highest number of people are registered to vote in the Isle of Man General Election than ever before, according to official figures.

Government statistics show there are more than 60,000 potential voters for 2011 compared with 52,000 in 2006.

The number of 16 and 17 years-olds registered to vote has also increased by more than 500 to 1,297.

In 2006, the Isle of Man became the first nation in Europe to give the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds.

Polling for the election takes place on 29 September.

To be registered to vote you must be 16 or over by election day, resident at the address stated on your registration form, and resident in the Isle of Man for at least one year.

The island is almost entirely self-governing, and the 24 successful representatives will control virtually every aspect of public life from law and order to health provision.

All new political members successful in the election will be sworn in to the House of Keys on 4 October.