Voting system a 'wake-up call'

MHK says missing voters should be a concern

An MHK who voiced criticism of the Island's new electoral registration system says he believes recent events will act as a wake-up call ahead of next year’s General Election.

An estimated 2,000 fewer people were able to vote in by-elections in South and North Douglas last week.

Many of those were removed from the voters’ list after missing a deadline to re-register as part of a new arrangement designed to make the list more up-to-date and accurate.

Although turnouts were around 40 per cent in both constituencies, North Douglas member John Houghton said residents should have received reminders.