There are five candidates for the role of Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner.

They are: Patrick Canavan (Labour and Co-operative Party), Dan Hardy (Independent), Mark Andrew Robson (Liberal Democrats), Claire Elizabeth Seymour (Green Party) and David John Sidwick (Conservative).

Locally in the Dorset Council area there is just one election and that if for the Central Ward of Ferndown Town Council.

If you have moved to a new address and haven’t registered to vote you must do so online by midnight on 19 April.

The deadline for postal vote applications is 5pm on Tuesday 20 April

The deadline for a proxy vote application (to appoint someone else to vote on your behalf) is 5pm on Tuesday 27 April.

Emergency proxy voting will also be available for anyone who is self-isolating, or shielding, on the day of the elections. They will be able to appoint someone else to vote on their behalf up to 5pm on polling day.

All polling stations will be equipped with hand sanitisers and signage to ensure everyone keeps a safe distance. All voters and polling staff will be required to wear a face covering (unless exempt).

Pencils will be available, but voters can bring their own pen or pencil if they prefer.