ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE POLICE AREA RETURNING OFFICER FOR GREATER MANCHESTER

Residents intending to vote in the election for Greater Manchester's first ever Police and Crime Commissioner are being reminded about two important deadlines.

The deadline to receive applications from anyone who has not already registered to vote is midnight next Wednesday, 31 October. The deadline to request a postal vote is 5pm on 31 October.

The elections take place on Thursday 15 November.

Anyone who is not already registered to vote or would prefer a postal vote and has not asked for one should contact their local elections office as soon as possible.

Trafford residents who are not already registered can download an application form from the Council's website at www.trafford.gov.uk/elections or request one by emailing elections@trafford.gov.uk or by calling 0161 912 4259. These are also the details to request a postal vote.

Local Returning Officer for Trafford, Theresa Grant said: "People do not have much time now before the deadline for registering to vote or requesting a postal vote in the forthcoming Police and Crime Commissioner election.

"Registering to vote or requesting a postal vote is simple and straightforward so I'd urge eligible Trafford residents who haven't already done so to contact our elections team. We don't want people to miss their chance to vote in this first Police and Crime Commissioner election."

Elections for the Police and Crime Commissioner will normally be held every four years, with the next elections taking place in May 2016.

A booklet will be delivered to all households this month by the Electoral Commission, giving Greater Manchester residents details about what the elections are for and what powers the Police and Crime Commissioner will have; which voting system will be used and how it works; when the elections are taking place and where to get further information, including information about candidates.

For more information visit www.greatermanchesterpccelection.org.uk

For candidate details, including candidates' addresses, visit www.choosemypcc.org.uk.