Bath and North East Somerset residents who have registered to vote by post have begun to receive their postal packs and candidate information for the May elections.

There are two elections taking place in the local area on Thursday 6 May:

: The election of the West of England or Regional Mayor, who leads the West of England Combined Authority, working to champion the region and drive clean and inclusive economic growth. Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council form the West of England Combined Authority.

The election of the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Avon and Somerset Police Area, who oversees the local police force and ensures that they are prioritising what matters to the local community. The Avon and Somerset Police Area includes Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, Mendip District Council, North Somerset Council, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset West and Taunton Council, South Gloucestershire Council and South Somerset District Council.

A booklet with details of the candidates standing at the West of England Mayoral Election has been posted to all electors in our area or details can be viewed at www.westofengland-ca.org.uk/election2021

For details of the candidates standing at the Police and Crime Commissioner Election please visit www.choosemypcc.org.uk or call 0808 196 2170 to request a booklet to be sent to you.

If you miss the deadline for a postal vote and you cannot or would prefer not to go to the polling station on May 6, there is still time for you to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm on April 27.

Postal votes should be completed and returned as soon as possible. The final deadline for receipt of postal votes is 10pm on Thursday 6 May.

Will Godfrey, Returning Officer for Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: "Should you miss the deadline to return your postal vote and wish to return your vote at a polling station, please be reassured that polling stations will be safe places on Thursday 6 May. We are making extensive preparations to ensure that these polls are run in a way that meets the highest standards of both public safety and democratic integrity."

For more information on the election of the West of England Mayor please visit www.westofengland-ca.gov.uk

For more information on the election of the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner please visit www.avonpccelection.org.uk