Residents are reminded to make sure they are registered to vote in this year’s Police and Crime Commissioner election, and that they have eligible photo ID, before the deadlines in April.

Torbay will go to the polls on 2 May to vote for the next Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner.

Police and Crime Commissioners ensure the delivery of an effective and efficient police service within their force area.

They are responsible for:

  • appointing the Chief Constable, holding them to account for running the force, and if necessary dismissing them;
  • setting the police and crime objectives for their area through a police and crime plan;
  • setting the force budget and determining the precept (i.e. the levy on the council tax bill that will go toward policing);
  • holding the Chief Constable to account for how the force contributes to the national and international policing capabilities set out by the Home Secretary;
  • and bringing together community safety and criminal justice partners to make sure local priorities are joined up.

There are several ways to cast your vote. You can vote in person at a polling station, by post, or by appointing someone you trust to vote on your behalf, which is known as a proxy vote.

Registering to vote is quick and easy, it only takes five minutes and can be done online. Once registered you will be placed onto the electoral register.

You will only need to register again if you’ve changed your name, address, nationality or not completed the regular household enquiry return form.

Once registered, you can request a postal vote application online. Having a postal vote means you will automatically be sent a ballot paper to your home, so you can vote via post, avoiding the need to go to a polling station.

If you’re unable to vote in person, you can apply for a proxy vote and ask someone to vote on your behalf.

You will also need to show photographic ID to vote in person at a polling station.

Accepted forms of ID include a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport; a full or provisional UK, EEA or Commonwealth drivers’ licence; some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass and a blue badge.

Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online or by completing a paper form which is available from the council.

The deadlines to remember are:

  • Deadline to register to vote: midnight on 16 April 2024
  • Deadline to apply or change a postal vote: 5pm on 17 April 2024
  • Deadline to apply for Voter ID certificate: 5pm on 24 April 2024
  • Deadline to apply for a proxy vote: 5pm on 24 April 2024

Anne-Marie Bond, Returning Officer at Torbay Council, said: “Time is running out to make sure you can take part in the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner election. This election is an important opportunity to make your voice heard and have a say on who represents you to be the voice of the people in policing across the region.

“If you haven’t registered to vote, please go online now and complete your application.

“Anyone voting at a polling station this May will need to show eligible photo ID before they can be given their ballot paper. Please make sure you understand what types of ID you can use, and if you don’t have any, please apply for a Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline.”

Find out about registering to vote

Find out about voter ID

Anyone not able to visit the website or apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online can contact the council by calling 01803 208008 or emailing electoral.registration@torbay.gov.uk.

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