On May 2 elections are taking place in Wales. Eligible voters will be able to pick the police and crime commissioners (PCCs) who represent four areas of Wales. The role of a PCC is to make sure that the local police in their area is meeting the needs of the community as well as cutting crime and delivering an effective and efficient police service within their police force area.
They are elected by the public to hold chief constables and the police force to account on their behalf. They are paid £73,300 and serve a four-year term.
There are 39 police areas across England and Wales with a PCC. Each area has one commissioner. In Wales they represent:
- South Wales Police
- North Wales Police
- Gwent Police
- Dyfed-Powys Police
What do PCCs do?
PCCs have four roles:
- Set the police budget and make sure it’s spent effectively
- Appoint the chief constables of the local police forces
- Engage with the public and victims of crime to help set police and crime plans and organise projects within the community
- Work closely with the local council and other community organisations on these plans and projects
Who can vote in these elections
If you are eligible to vote and are registered to vote in an area that has a PCC you can vote in the police and crime commissioner elections. You can check if you're eligible to vote on the Electoral Commission website.
You have to be 18 to vote in these elections.
You can't vote if you're a convicted prisoner serving your sentence, other than for contempt of court, or have been found guilty within the previous five years of corrupt or illegal practices in connection with an election.
You can vote in all elections if you're a British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen or hold EU citizenship.
How to vote
You will receive one ballot paper. The ballot paper will list the PCC candidates. You will only be able to vote for one candidate by putting a cross in the box next to your choice. The candidate with the largest share of the votes wins.
You can find out where your local polling station and who are the candidates in your area is by entering your postcode into this search. You can also apply to vote by post or by proxy. You can find out more on your local council website or via the Electoral Commission.
Do I need to take ID?
Yes. The law changed for elections from 2023, which means that for UK general elections and PCC elections you need to take ID with you to be able to vote.
The law will require you to show photo ID when you want to vote at a polling station when there is a Parliamentary or police and crime commissioner election. This could be an approved form of photo ID such as a passport. Expired ID documents will be accepted if the photo is still a good likeness of you.
If you need a free voter ID the deadline to apply for these elections is Wednesday, April 24, at 5pm.
How do I find out who is standing?
You find out more about each area here:
