Isle of Wight and Hampshire police and crime commissioner election

For those who have registered, papers can be returned until polls close on Thursday, May 2.

The Isle of Wight Council has revealed there are more than 18,000 postal voters on the Island, of a total electorate of 110,725. 

The rules have changed about who can return the votes and how they can be submitted.

Most postal votes are returned via Royal Mail, but they can also be handed in at the Isle of Wight Council's County Hall during office hours, or to any polling station, on election day.

Voters will be only able to hand in their own postal vote, and the postal votes of up to five other people.

Campaigners can only hand in their own postal vote, and postal votes for up to five other people who are close relatives, or someone for whom they provide regular care.

Those handing in postal votes to local authority offices or to polling stations will need to complete a postal vote return form.

• To read more about the candidates and their campaigns, CLICK HERE

The candidates standing for election as Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner are:

• Conservative Donna Jones, former Portsmouth City Council leader, who has held the position since 2021
• The Labour Party's Becky Williams, a councillor on Rushmoor Borough Council
• The Liberal Democrats’ Prad Baines, a councillor on Hampshire County Council
• For the Justice and Anti-Corruption Party, Don Jerrard

On May 2, polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm.

Do not forget to take photo ID.

The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) was created to be the voice of the people and to hold the police to account.

They are responsible for allocating funding and overseeing priorities, with an aim to cut crime and deliver an effective and efficient police service, according to the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners.