Police and crime commissioner elections

For the first time ever, across England and Wales (excluding London) there will be new Police and Crime Commissioners elected on 15 November 2012.

Campaign poster for the first ever PCC elections

On this date the public can choose a Police and Crime Commissioner for their local police force and have a say when it comes to cutting crime in the area. The elections will affect 41 police forces in England and Wales.

Kay Jenkins, head of the Electoral Commission’s Wales Office, said, “These are new elections, taking place at an unfamiliar time of year and using a voting system that has not been used in Wales before.”

From 26 October around 1.4 million households across Wales will receive a booklet with information about these new elections and how to vote in them.

So what exactly is the role of the new Police and Crime Commissioners?

– To meet with the public regularly and to listen on their views on policing
– Produce a police and crime plan setting out local policing priorities
– Decide how the budget will be spent
– Appoint Chief Constables and dismiss them if needed

Kay Jenkins also added, “Over the next few days, Welsh voters will receive our booklet with all the information they need to cast their vote with confidence. This includes what the elections are for, when they are taking place and how to vote. It also has information on polling station opening hours and how to request a postal vote.”

Information booklet

In late October, every household in England and Wales (excluding London) will receive a booklet explaining more about these elections and how to fill in your ballot paper. You can download the information booklet here

Register to vote

If you want to vote and have your say for the upcoming elections you must register before 31 October 2012. Anyone who has not registered should visit: www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or contact the electoral helpline on 0800 3 280 280.

Now that you’ve registered and are still confused on how the voting works, never fear, our friend Victor can show you how: [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PptcuCdSur0&feature=plcp[/youtube] © The Electoral Commission 2012

Commissioner, Crime, Elections, police