Poll cards are being sent to more than 600,000 voters from tomorrow (Wednesday, March 27) for the York and North Yorkshire mayor election.
The county will go to the polls on Thursday, May 2, to vote for the first elected mayor for York and North Yorkshire.
The mayor, who will be paid £81,300 a year, will oversee the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, which launched on February 1.
The devolution deal includes an investment fund totalling £540 million over 30 years.
The mayor will also take on the responsibilities of the police, fire and crime commissioner for York and North Yorkshire, who is responsible for holding the chief constable and chief fire officer to account.
The commissioner also sets policing and crime priorities and oversees the police budget.
North Yorkshire Council chief executive, Richard Flinton will be the combined authority’s returning officer for the election, as well as the local returning officer for North Yorkshire.
Richard Flinton
He urged people not to under-estimate how important the election is:
“This is about ensuring benefits for hundreds of thousands of residents and businesses in York and North Yorkshire are realised through devolution, as the government gives more decision-making powers to our region along with millions of pounds in additional funding.
“The mayor will be at the forefront of the decisions being made. This is an opportunity for everyone who is registered to vote to decide on who they want to represent them at what is a defining moment for our region.”
Photo ID required
The deadline for registering to vote is April 16. To vote by post, you must first be registered and apply by 5pm on Wednesday, April 17.
This election will be the first time many people will have to show photo ID when voting in person. Anyone without suitable ID can apply for a free voter authority certificate before 5pm on Wednesday, April 24.
Details of candidates will be outlined in a booklet that legally has to be sent to everyone who is registered to vote in York and North Yorkshire in April.
More information is available here.
The current candidates are:
- Felicity Cunliffe-Lister — Liberal Democrats
- Keane Duncan — Conservative Party
- Kevin Foster — Green Party
- Paul Haslam — Independent
- David Skaith — Labour Party
- Keith Tordoff — Independent
Read more:
- Explained: How will North Yorkshire’s mayor work?
- Many North Yorkshire residents ‘unaware about incoming mayoral combined authority’
- North Yorkshire mayor to be paid £81,300
