'You can work a full time job at 16, it's only right we can vote too'

Sixth-form students prepare to exercise their rights in September's General Election

On 24 September residents of the Isle of Man will head to the polls to choose who they want to represent their constituency in the House of Keys.

Unlike in the UK, where you have to be at least 18 years old to cast your ballot in a Westminster election, anyone who is 16 years of age on or before polling day (and has lived in the Island for at least a year) can register to vote in a national election in the Isle of Man.

The Island was the first country in Western Europe extend the right to this age group, something which is perhaps overshadowed by the fact the Island was also the first nation in the world to give women the right to vote in a national election, in 1881; 37 years before the UK.

This week Manx Radio visited Ramsey Grammar School for a live Mannin Line broadcast and spoke with sixth form pupils about why they will be heading to the polls on 24 September. 

On that date, 24 MHKs be voted into the House of Keys; two in each of the 12 constituencies.

Speaking on Manx Radio's Mannin Line these students explained why they'll be voting, and why they think it's important other young people exercise that right too:

Manx university students living off-Island during this September's election can still register to vote via postal ballot.

You can find guidance for young voters HERE.