Place your vote in forthcoming Police and Crime Commissioner Elections (From Redditch Advertiser)

Place your vote in forthcoming Police and Crime Commissioner Elections

10:20am Thursday 25th October 2012 in Local

REDDITCH residents are being urged to place their vote in the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner Elections in November and are being reminded that it’s not too late to register to vote.

Poll cards were sent out to residents in Redditch in anticipation of the election – the first of its kind – which will take place on Thursday, November 15 2012.

Police and Crime Commissioners will be elected by the public to oversee how crime is tackled in their area to make sure the police are providing a good service. The role will include:
• Meeting the public regularly to listen to their views on policing.
• Producing a police and crime plan setting out local policing priorities.
• Deciding how the budget will be spent.
• Appointing and dismissing Chief Constables as necessary.

There is still time to register to vote or to apply for a postal vote. Simply download applications from the Electoral Commission on www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.

Applications must be received by 5pm on Wednesday, October 31.

A council spokesman said: “It’s so easy to vote nowadays that everyone should take part. The PCC elections are especially important as they could make a big difference to policing in your area so it’s really important to register and vote.”

Details of the candidates standing for election in the West Mercia police area will be available from October 26 at www.choosemypcc.org.uk, and a print on demand phone line will also be available on 0800 107 07 08.

For more information visit the council’s website www.redditchbc.gov.uk/elections or call phone the Electoral Services Helpline on 01527 881 421.