THE candidates standing in the election for Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner have been announced.

People will vote on May 5 for police and crime commissioners in 41 areas in England and Wales.

Fighting for a second term, having been elected in 2012, Simon Hayes (Independent) is once again standing for the post of Hampshire Constabulary’s commissioner.

Also in the running is Greatham candidate Don Jerrard (Independent), Richard Adair (Liberal Democrat), Michael Lane (Conservative), Robin Price (Labour), Roy Swales (UKIP) and Steve Watts, who stands for zero-tolerance policing and is a Hampshire former assistant chief constable.

East Hampshire District Council this week reminded residents that they must be on the electoral register by next Monday, April 18, in order to vote.

On May 5, six elections will be run in the district – police and crime commissioner for Hampshire, Grayshott, Liphook and Headley division of Hampshire County Council, Clanfield and Finchdean ward of East Hampshire District Council, St Mary’s ward of Petersfield Town Council, Bentley Neighbourhood Plan referendum, and Medstead and Four Marks Neighbourhood Plan.

Hampshire County Council’s Headley ward opened up with Ferris Cowper’s recent announcement to stand down from his county council role.

Mr Cowper’s decision to resign from the county council, he said, was to allow him to concentrate on his “time-consuming work” as leader of East Hampshire District Council.

He explained that his district-council workload had “dramatically increased” because of the “prominent part” he is taking in the debate over devolution, as well as “steering” the regeneration of Whitehill and Bordon.

Sandy Hopkins, returning officer for the election, said: “With six elections being held in East Hampshire on May 5 everyone will have the chance to get involved in local democracy. Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in these elections and have your say on issues that make a big difference to where you live.

“The deadline to register is Monday, April 18, so if you’re not already registered, please don’t delay.”

A police and crime commissioner promises the public they will ensure the “policing needs of your community are met as effectively as possible and oversees how crime is tackled in your area”.

The scheme was introduced in 2012 under the coalition Government.

The first elections, which saw Mr Hayes take office in Hampshire, were heavily criticised for having exceptionally low turnouts of around 10 to 20 per cent. It was the lowest turnout of any election in British peacetime history (with a mean of 15.1 per cent).

However, in East Hampshire the turnout was 19.3 per cent, the second highest, and across Hampshire it was 15 per cent with 217,481 votes cast.

According to the Government, the aim of police and crime commissioners is to cut crime and ensure a police force is “effective”.

The idea is that they introduce a public voice to policing by engaging with the public and victims of crime to help set police and crime plans, ensuring the police force budget is spent where it matters most, and appointing, and where necessary dismissing, the chief constable.

However, the police and crime commissioner does not run the police force.

Chief constables continue to be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the police, but they are accountable to the public via their police and crime commissioner.

Residents can register to vote quickly and easily online at gov.uk/register-to-vote, or obtain a registration form by calling 01730 234350. Voters can also use postal votes, which means not having to visit the ballot box. You must apply for a postal vote application form before April 19.