Residents in East Douglas will find out today who they can vote for in next month's House of Keys by-election.

Nominations papers can be submitted in a two hour period up to midday, by which time all those hoping to stand will have to declare their intention.

The campaign will then truly get under way, before voters go to the polls on May 27 to decide who will be the next MHK in the constituency.

The seat became vacant when Phil Braidwood was elected to the Legislative Council, and number of people have already come forward and said they intend to stand, making it one of the most widely contested by-elections for some time.

So far (6am, Tuesday) they are: Liberal Vannin Party chairman Kate Beecroft, Douglas Councillor Colin Cain, TTXGP winner Chris Heath, Post Office union official John Joughin, former manager of the Sefton Hotel Chris Robertshaw and TV chef Kevin Woodford.

It's not yet known whether any more candidates will come forward before the noon deadline.

Nomination forms are available from the returning officer, Chris Cope, at Appleby in Athol Street, Douglas.