Get ready to vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner Election

Voters in South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse are being urged to check they are ready to vote in the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) election on 2 May.

The Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for making sure Thames Valley Police is an efficient and effective force. They control the force’s overall budget and hold the chief constable to account. 

To have your say on the person who will take on this role for the next four years, you need to vote on Thursday 2 May.

For a list of the candidates standing in this election and their statements, visit the Choose My PCC website.

Voting at a polling station

Voting takes place on Thursday 2 May – polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm. 

You can find out where you need to go to cast your ballot on your poll card or by entering your postcode on the Where do I vote website.

To vote at a polling station you must bring your photo ID or a Voter Authority Certificate.

A wide range of photo ID will be accepted, including passports, driving licences and cards with a PASS Mark.  You can check the accepted ID at electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID

If voters lose their ID, or their Voter Authority Certificate does not arrive in time for election day, they can apply for a Temporary Voter ID Certificate or appoint an emergency proxy to vote on their behalf up until 5pm on election day. The person appointed as proxy, voting on someone else’s behalf, must have their own acceptable photo ID.

Voting by post

If you are a postal voter, you should return your completed postal pack as soon as possible by using a Royal Mail post box.

If you miss the post, you can hand it in at the council office in Abingdon or at a polling station on election day. However, the person handing it in is now required to complete further documentation.   Your postal vote will be rejected if it’s not received correctly – please DO NOT leave it in any council office post box or unattended reception point.

If you are signed up to vote by post, you should have received your postal voting pack.  If it’s not arrived, or if it’s been lost or spoilt, please email elections@southandvale.gov.uk or call 01235 422528 immediately to request a replacement.

Further information

You can find more information about the PCC election by visiting southoxon.gov.uk/PCCElection2024 / whitehorsedc.gov.uk/PCCElection2024 or contact the South and Vale Elections team via elections@southandvale.gov.uk or 01235 422528.

Mark Stone, Local Returning Officer for South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse, said: “Make sure you’re ready for the Police and Crime Commissioner Election on 2 May.  Check that you’ve got an accepted form of ID and remember to bring it with you to the polling station on election day. If you are voting by post, please send your completed pack back to us as soon as possible, your vote will only count if it reaches us by 10pm on polling day.”