The list of candidates standing in the Police and Crime Commissioner election for the Avon and Somerset Police Area has been published (9 April).

On Thursday 6 May, voters in Bath and North East Somerset and the rest of the Avon and Somerset Police Area will vote to elect their new Police and Crime Commissioner.

The Police and Crime Commissioner oversees the local police force and ensures that they are prioritising what matters to the local community.

The candidates standing in the Police and Crime Commissioner election are:

Kerry Barker - Labour Party

Cleo Lake - Green Party

Heather Shearer - Liberal Democrat

Mark Shelford - Conservative Party

John Smith - Independent

The full list of candidates including candidate statements can be viewed at the choose my PCC site

from April 15 or residents can call 0808 196 2170 to request a booklet to be sent to them.

In order to vote in these important elections, residents must be on the electoral register. If you are not on the electoral register at your current address, you must register to vote by midnight on Monday 19 April. It takes just five minutes to apply online at gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you have any queries you can call us on 01225 477333.

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. 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 further information on the Police and Crime Commissioner election visit www.avonpccelection.org.uk

Will Godfrey, Police Area Returning Officer for the Avon and Somerset Police Area, said: "This is an important election for our area so please make sure you're registered to vote in time for the deadline. You can vote either at a polling station, by post or by proxy. If you wish to vote in person, 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."

On Thursday 6 May there will also be the election of the West of England Mayor, who leads the West of England Combined Authority and leads the development of regional business, skills, housing and transport – issues that impact people living and working across theregion. Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council form the West of England Combined Authority. For further information on the West of England Mayoral election click HERE : the election site