Public encouraged to use postal votes in May's Bedfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner election

Voters are being encouraged to cast their ballots by post in this year's election for a new Bedfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
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Electors will shortly have the opportunity to cast their vote in the ballot on Thursday, May 6, and you can read about the three candidates here.

This PCC election will determine the direction of Bedfordshire Police over the next four years. Bedfordshire’s PCC is responsible for securing efficient policing, lobbying for government funding and ensuring the force is accountable to the communities it serves.

Just 23.7% of eligible voters in Bedfordshire took part in the last PCC election in 2016, and authorities are hoping to increase engagement this year.

Voters will choose their first and second preferences in the Beds PCC electionVoters will choose their first and second preferences in the Beds PCC election
Voters will choose their first and second preferences in the Beds PCC election

Voting is open to anyone resident in Bedfordshire and all voters must be on the electoral role. If you are over 18 and not on the electoral role, register to vote at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

This election will be managed by Luton Borough Council on behalf of all three local authorities in Bedfordshire. Due to the risks of the Covid-19 virus, the public is being encouraged to apply for a postal vote by calling 01582 510380 or emailing [email protected].

The voting system for the Police and Crime Commissioner is slightly different from others. Voters will be asked to pick their first and second choices in two columns. If a candidate fails to secure over 50 per cent of the votes cast in the first column, the two highest candidates will have any votes for them in column two added to their final tally.

If a candidate does secure over 50 per cent of votes in column one they will automatically be elected to the post.

Robin Porter, chief returning officer at Luton Borough Council said: “PCC elections give the public a chance to choose someone to hold their local police force to account.

"They are an important part of the workings of local democracy and I am pleased to say that Luton Council will be leading on the Bedfordshire-wide elections.

"I would encourage all those who are eligible to vote to use this opportunity to influence policing in the county for the next four years.”

To register on the electoral roll, you will need to contact your local council or register at https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.