Residents have been reminded by BCP Council that they must be registered to vote and have photo ID.
On Thursday May 2 people across Dorset will be given the chance to vote for their preferred candidate to take on the role of the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
PCCs aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service within their police force area.
The role is elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account on their behalf.
PCCs are elected using the first past the post system. Residents vote for one candidate and the candidate with the most votes becomes PCC.
Residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole who want to have their say in elections must be registered to vote in the BCP Council area.
If not already registered to vote, registration must take place by Tuesday April 16.
A BCP Council by-election in the Canford Cliffs ward also takes place on Thursday May 2 triggered by the recent resignation of Cllr May Haines.
To vote at either election residents must bring an accepted form of photo ID with them to the polling station.
Without an accepted form of photo ID, residents won’t be able to cast their vote at the polling station.
Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving licence and some bus passes. A full list of accepted ID is available here.
Residents can also show expired ID, as long as they are still recognisable from the photo.
Graham Farrant, Chief Executive of BCP Council and the area’s Returning Officer, pictured, said: “It’s very important that people can exercise their right to vote and have their say in these important elections.
“It may seem early but checking that you have an accepted form of photo ID now means you will be ready to vote in May.
“You will also be ready for the next General Election, which we know must take place sometime in the next ten months.”
From now, until after the elections on May 2, BCP Council is in a ‘Pre Election Period’, during which the council must legally comply with certain codes of practice.
Graham Farrant said: “Whilst the pre-election period is in place councillors and officers will be carefully considering the impact of any events or proposals that might influence public support for a political party.
“Because of this, normal protocols around the work BCP Council does are restricted and particular care is taken over any communications.
“At the same time the daily business of local government and its decision-making continues, and residents should know that the core services we provide, such as bin collections, are not affected.”
More details on each election and the notices of election can be found here.
Nomination papers for the elections may be obtained from Electoral Services, BCP Council Civic Centre, Bourne Avenue, Bournemouth BH2 6DY or can be requested by emailing candidates.agents@bcpcouncil.gov.uk