On Thursday 6 May residents in Torbay will be asked to have their say on who represents them at the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections.

In addition, there will be a Council by-election in the Clifton with Maidenway ward.

In order to vote in these important elections, residents must be on the electoral register. With only one week to go until the deadline to register to vote, we are urging people who have not registered at their current address to make sure they are registered in time.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday 19 April. It takes just five minutes to apply online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

This year residents in Torbay will be voting for:

• The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), who oversees Devon and Cornwall Police and ensures they are prioritising what matters to you
• A Councillor for the Clifton with Maidenway ward who will represent the local area and contribute to the development of policies in areas such as transport, social care or housing.

Anne-Marie Bond, Electoral Registration Officer for Torbay Council, said: “With only one week to go time is running out to make sure you can take part in these elections. They are an opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you on issues that directly affect day-to-day life here in Torbay. If you’re not registered by 19 April, you won’t be able to vote”.

Ailsa Irvine, Director of Electoral Administration and Guidance at the Electoral Commission said; “You can’t have your say in these important elections unless you are registered to vote. It’s quick and easy – it takes just five minutes online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

“If you have recently turned 18 or moved home, it is particularly important that you act to ensure that you are registered to vote.

“If you were registered to vote in the last election and your details have not changed, you don’t need to take any action. If in doubt, you can check with your local authority on 01803 208008”.

Voters have a range of options for casting their ballot – in person, by post or by appointing someone they trust to vote in their place, known as a proxy vote. For those who choose to vote in person, polling stations will be safe places to vote on 6 May.

The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm on 20 April, and for a proxy vote the deadline is 5pm on 27 April.

For information on elections in their area, how to register to vote, or how to apply to vote by post of by proxy, voters can visit www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter. This page will continue to be updated ahead of the polls.

Details on the candidates standing in the elections on 6 May can be found on our Elections in 2021 page.