Although Somerset held elections for its three unitary authorities last year, the county is still going to the polls next month.

So comprehensive is the patchwork of local elections happening across the country that every voter in England and Wales will be able to vote in at least one type of election on May 2. Elections are happening for all police and crime commissioners in England and Wales, including in Avon and Somerset.

There will also be a byelection for Mendip South.

The police and crime commissioner sets the police precept part of council tax, decides how the budget is spent, sets local policing priorities, and can appoint and dismiss the chief constable. Poll cards should already be dropping on doormats for the election, with details of your local polling station. You do not need to bring your poll card with you to vote but you will need to bring one of the 22 acceptable forms of photo ID.

The deadline to register to vote in the election is Tuesday April 16, and the deadline to register for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday April 17.

Current police and crime commissioner Mark Shelford (Conservative) was elected in 2021.

The deadline to stand for election as the police and crime commissioner is 4pm on Friday April 5.