Election has the X-Factor

 

Voters choosing a new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) will be asked for their first and second choice of who they want to win, as the supplementary voting system is used for the first time at elections on 15 November.

The supplementary voting system is different from the ‘first-past-the-post’ method used in local and general elections.

In the supplementary voting system, if one candidate gets more than 50 per cent of first choice votes, they will win. If no candidate gets this majority, the two candidates with the most first choice votes will remain in the election and all other candidates are eliminated.

The second choice votes for the eliminated candidates are then counted – and any votes for the two remaining candidates are added to their first round totals. The candidate who then has the highest total of votes cast is declared the winner.

A booklet with more information about the elections and how to vote will be sent to every household over the next couple of weeks.

David Parr is the Police Area Returning Officer for the Cheshire, Halton and Warrington Police Area and is responsible for conduct and co-ordination of the election.

He said: “Voters should not let the different voting system put them off from taking part in the election. In the coming weeks you will see and hear a lot more about the PCC elections and how to vote. As well as TV, radio and newspaper advertisements an information booklet, being delivered to every household, will explain exactly what you need to do to vote.”

“This is a different way of voting so it is important to read the instructions for filling in the ballot paper carefully, even if you have voted before, but if you do make a mistake, you can ask the polling staff to give you a replacement ballot paper.” 

More information about the Police and Crime Commissioner elections can be found at www.halton.gov.uk, you can follow the elections on Twitter using #cheshirepcc.

The public information booklet will be sent to households between 22 October and 2 November by the Electoral Commission. If you do not receive your copy by 6 November, please phone the Electoral Commission on 0800 3280280.

For more information about how the voting system works please got to: http://www.youtube.com/ElectoralCommission1