Are you ready for the first Police and Crime Commissioner elections?

Shropshire voters are being reminded that the first Police and Crime Commissioner elections take place on Thursday 15 November 2012.

274 polling stations across West Mercia will be open from 7am to 10pm on polling day. Postal votes have been sent out to those who registered, which must be returned to the Local Returning Officer by 10pm on polling day otherwise they will not be counted.

Claire Porter, Police Area Returning Officer for West Mercia, said:

“In just a few days voters will have the chance to elect their Police and Crime Commissioner.  I encourage voters to check in advance where their polling station is and plan what time they intend to cast their vote.  For those voting by post, it’s important to fill in your ballot paper privately and return it as soon as possible.”

Police and Crime Commissioners will be elected using the Supplementary Vote system. Voters should put a cross for their first and second choice candidates in their respective columns.  As long as a cross is marked in the first choice column, then the vote will count. You can see a video about how this system works by clicking this link.

Samantha Mills, head of campaigns at the Electoral Commission, said:

“Every household should have received our booklet with information on what a Police and Crime Commissioner’s role involves, and how to complete the ballot paper. There is more information on our website, www.aboutmyvote.co.uk , or you can call our helpline on 0800 3 280 280.”

The Electoral Commission’s booklet was sent to 21 million households across England and Wales in late October.

Information about the candidates is on the web at www.choosemypcc.org.uk and people can call 0800 1 07 07 08 to ask for information to be sent to them.

Further notes

The Electoral Commission is an independent body set up by the UK Parliament.  Its aim is integrity and public confidence in the UK’s democratic process.  It regulates party and election finance and sets standards for well-run elections and is responsible for the conduct and regulations of referendums held under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act (2000).

 The Electoral Commission’s television advert, Welsh language version and video showing how to cast your ballot paper under the Supplementary Vote can be found by clicking this link.