The list of candidates standing in the Police and Crime Commissioner election for the Avon and Somerset Police area has been published.

On Thursday, May 2, voters across Somerset will vote to elect their new Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Police and Crime Commissioner oversees your local police force and ensures they are prioritising what matters to you. The Avon and Somerset Police Area includes Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, Somerset Council and South Gloucestershire Council.

The candidates are:

  • Benet Allen, Liberal Democrats
  • Katy Grant, Green Party
  • Clare Moody, Labour and Co-operative Party
  • Mark Shelford, Conservative Candidate – More Police, Safer Streets

The full list of candidates including candidate statements can be viewed at www.choosemypcc.org.uk from 9am on April 10 or residents can call 0300 131 1323 to request a booklet to be sent to them.

To vote, residents must be on the electoral register. If you are not on the electoral register at your current address, you must register to vote by midnight on Tuesday, April 16. Apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you have any queries, you can call Electoral Services on 01225 477333 or email [email protected].

Voters have a range of options for casting their vote – in person, by post or by appointing someone to cast a proxy vote. The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5 pm, Wednesday, April 17, and for a proxy vote, the deadline is 5 pm on Wednesday, April 24.

Residents voting in person at the polling station will be required to show an accepted form of photo ID to the polling station staff. If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline at 5pm on Wednesday, April 24.

Will Godfrey, Police Area Returning Officer for the Avon and Somerset Police Area, said: “This is an important election for our area, so please make sure you’re registered to vote in time for the deadline. You can vote either at a polling station, by post or by proxy. If you wish to vote in person, please remember you will have to take accepted photo ID to the polling station.”

For further information on the Police and Crime Commissioner election visit www.avonpccelection.org.uk