Bath and North East Somerset residents who have registered to vote by post will begin to receive their postal packs for the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner election that takes place on Thursday, May 2.

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) oversees the area’s police force and ensures they are prioritising what matters to residents. 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 full list of candidates, including the candidate election statements, can be viewed at www.choosemypcc.org.uk or you can call 0300 131 1323 to request a booklet to be posted to you. Details of the election can be found at www.avonpccelection.org.uk

Postal votes should be completed and returned as soon as possible. The deadline for receipt of postal votes is 10pm on Thursday, May 2.

Those who aren’t using the Royal Mail system can hand it in to the local returning officer at the Guildhall, High Street, Bath, during normal office hours (Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 5pm). Speak to reception and a member of the electoral services team will be called to collect postal votes. They will also request a short form is completed. This is a new legislative requirement. and the public will not be able to hand in postal votes at any other council office.

Alternatively, people can hand in postal votes on election day at any polling station in Bath and North East Somerset, between 7am and 10pm. The polling station staff will also ask for a short form to be completed. The nearest polling stations can be found at this website https://wheredoivote.co.uk.

By law, people can only hand in their own votes but can post votes for up to five other electors.

Will Godfrey, police area returning officer for the Avon and Somerset Police, said: “If you intend to hand in your postal vote either at the Guildhall or at a polling station, please be aware that you will need to complete a short form. This is a new legal requirement and if you do not fill it in, your vote will be rejected.”  

For more information on the election of the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner please visit www.avonpccelection.org.uk