RESIDENTS are urged not to miss out on a chance to vote for Dorset’s new Police and Crime Commissioner.

Elections for the new commissioner will take place on Thursday, November 15. Polling hours will be 7am-10pm and residents must be registered to vote.

Those wishing to vote should contact Weymouth and Portland Borough Council or West Dorset District Council by Wednesday, October 31.

People who have already voted this year don’t need to register.

The new commissioner will be charged with securing efficient and effective policing in Dorset. They will also be able to hire and dismiss the chief constable and set the force’s budget.

The Dorset Echo will be profiling the candidates for the role in the coming days. For details about the role and the elections see choosemypcc.org.uk.