Police and Crime Commissioner elections

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

Approximately 1,000 polling stations across Kent will be open from 7am to 10pm on polling day. In the region of 15% of residents have requested a postal vote, which must be returned to the Local Returning Officer for their area by 10pm on polling day otherwise they will not be counted.

Nadeem Aziz, Police Area Returning Officer for Kent, 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. Details of where to vote are included on your poll card. If you have not received one, contact the Electoral Registration Officer at your local Council Offices. 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.

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.

Candidates' Election Addresses are now available on the following website www.choosemypcc.org.uk. To order a printed copy of the Candidates' Election Addresses, call 0800 1 070 708.