VOTERS in South Gloucestershire are being encouraged to have their say in the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) election this week.

The district council is urging residents who are on the electoral register to make sure they vote in the PCC election on Thursday, May 5 by visiting their local polling station between 7am and 10pm on polling day or by returning their postal voting packs.

John McCormack, electoral registration officer at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “Over 37,000 electors are registered to vote by post in South Gloucestershire at this PCC election and they have recently been sent their postal vote. So if you are a postal voter and you have not returned your postal vote yet, please make sure that your voice is heard, it only takes a few minutes.

"Your vote matters, please don’t lose it.”

Dr Jo Farrar, police area returning officer for Avon and Somerset, said: “With the election taking place next week, we want to make sure that everyone knows how to cast their vote with confidence on Thursday, May 5.

“Anyone looking for more information will likely find the answer to their questions at www.avonpccelection2016.org.uk, and they can get in touch with the Electoral Services team here at your local council if they have any further queries.”

For more information, including the list of polling stations, go to avonpccelection2016.org.uk