Voters in Devon and Cornwall can now find out more about the candidates standing in the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner elections on 2 May.
Statements by the three candidates nominated have been published on the choosemypcc.org.uk website.
Each police area has a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and elections for the office are held every four years.
Police and Crime Commissioners are elected to make sure the local force is meeting the needs of the community. They are responsible for:
- How the area is policed
- Setting the police budget and making sure it is spent effectively
- The amount of Council Tax charged for the police
- The information you get about what local police are doing
- Appointing the Chief Constable
- Engaging with the public and victims of crime to help set police and crime plans and organising projects within the community
- Working closely with local councils and other community organisations on these plans and projects
Anyone in Devon and Cornwall who is eligible to vote can take part in the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner election on 2 May. Those eligible to vote but not yet registered need to register to vote by 11.59pm on 16 April.
Registered voters who wish to vote by post can request a postal vote online. To vote by post in the election on 2 May you will need to have submitted your application by 5pm on 17 April.
Anyone planning to vote at a polling station on 2 May will need to show photo ID. Those without suitable ID can apply for free voter ID before 5pm on 24 April.
Tracey Lee, Devon and Cornwall Police Area Returning officer for the election on 2 May, said: “The Police and Crime Commissioner elections are an important opportunity to make your voice heard and we want to make sure everyone eligible to take part can do so.
“The deadlines for registering to vote and for postal and proxy vote applications are imminent so we are urging those who haven’t registered yet to go online and complete their application now.
“We are also reminding those intending to vote at a polling station on 2 May that they will need to show eligible photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. Please make sure you understand what types of ID you can use, and if you don’t have any, please apply for a voter authority certificate before the deadline.”
You can find more information about the role of Police and Crime Commissioners on the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners website and the in their video below.