The Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner election is taking place on Thursday 6 May 2021.
Residents in Sussex will go to the polls to have their say on who represents them as the local Police & Crime Commissioner responsible for setting the strategic objectives for policing in Sussex.
While the election is not until May, you need to make sure you’re registered and decide how you want to cast your vote in the next few weeks.
Michael Appleford, Sussex Police Area Deputy Returning Officer and Brighton & Hove City Council Electoral Services Manager, said:
“We’re putting extra arrangements in place to help keep you safe at the polling station. You can expect many of the measures you’ve become used to in shops over the past year, including hand sanitiser, floor markings and face masks, as well as regular cleaning and limiting the numbers inside at any time.
“There will also be many people who won’t feel comfortable voting in person and would prefer to vote by post or through a trusted proxy.
“If you’re thinking about voting by post, you should apply as soon as possible, so your ballot paper can be sent to you more quickly.
“The choice is yours, but you need to apply soon so you don’t miss your opportunity.”
Register to vote by 19 April
You need to be registered to be able to vote.
If you’re not already registered, or you’ve recently moved, go to gov.uk/registertovote
Think about the best voting option for you
Polling stations will be safe places to vote in May, but there are other ways to vote.
If you'd rather not go to a polling station, or you won't be able to get to one on the day, you can apply for a postal or proxy vote.
Apply early to vote by post
If you want to vote by post, apply early so your postal vote can be sent to you more quickly.
You must apply for a postal vote by 20 April at the latest.
Vote by proxy
You can also ask someone you trust to vote on your behalf. This is known as a proxy vote.
You should apply for a proxy vote by 27 April.
Other elections in May
In Brighton & Hove two by-elections are also being held on 6 May following the resignation of Tracey Hill in the Hollingdean & Stanmer ward and Lee Wares in Patcham.
Councillor elections are also taking place in other parts of the country, including county council elections in East and West Sussex.
Find out more
Police & Crime Commissioners are usually elected every four years. Brighton & Hove City Council is conducting the 2021 election for the Sussex police area. For further information about the role of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner go to the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner website.
Find out more about the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner election, including the key dates and how to stand as a candidate. The page will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
Read more about the local by-elections taking place in the wards of Hollingdean & Stanmer and Patcham.
