The list of candidates standing in the Police and Crime Commissioner election for the Avon and Somerset policing area on Thursday 6th May has been revealed.
The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) oversees the local police force and ensures that they are prioritising what matters to the local community.
The current PCC, Sue Mountstevens, announced last year that she planned to step down and would not be standing again for election.
The candidates standing on 6th May are:
- Kerry Barker – Labour Party
- Cleo Lake – Green Party
- Heather Shearer – Liberal Democrat
- Mark Shelford – Conservative Party
- John Smith – Independent
The full list of candidates, as well as candidate statements, can be viewed at www.choosemypcc.org.uk from 15th April, or residents can call 0808 196 2170 to request a booklet to be sent to them.
In order to vote in the important elections, 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 Monday 19th April.
It takes just five minutes to apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you have any queries, you can call Bath & North East Somerset Council on 01225 477333.
Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote.
The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 20th April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27th April.
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 be reassured that polling stations will be safe places on Thursday 6 May.
“We are making extensive preparations to ensure that these polls are run in a way that meets the highest standards of both public safety and democratic integrity.”
