WITH one week to go before the first ever West of England Combined Authority Mayoral Election, voters are being reminded to have their say by South Gloucestershire Council.

Voting opens at registered polling stations at 7am on Thursday, May 4, giving over 680,000 registered voters the chance to choose their candidate to become the first Mayor of the West of England.

The new Mayor is to be appointed as a part of the £1billion West of England devolution deal, which puts powers and money from national government in the hands of the South West.

This means that decisions about issues such as spatial planning, adult education, employment and regional transport will be made on home ground.

As the vote for the new mayor looms, John McCormack, local returning officer for South Gloucestershire Council, is urging people to “exercise their democratic right to vote”.

He said: “The election on May 4 will give residents in South Gloucestershire the chance to make their choice on who will become the first West of England Combined Authority Mayor.

“I urge all eligible registered voters in the region to cast their ballot on May 4.”

A booklet has been produced with useful information about the West of England Combined Authority, the mayoral election and the supplementary voting system, and statements from the candidates standing in this election.

All registered voters have been sent a paper copy of this booklet as required by law, however an online version can be found here.

Polling stations will open at 7am on Thursday 4 May and close at 10pm. Voters are urged to check their poll cards for the address of their polling station and allow time to cast their vote.