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Honiton Senior Voice expresses ‘serious concern’ over lack of information.

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Elections to appoint Police and Crime Commissioners could “lack even the veneer of being democratic” - if turnouts at the polls fall below 34 per cent.

That is the view of Honiton Senior Voice, which has written to Home Secretary Teresa May to complain about lack of information.

It fears not enough has been done to make people aware of the elections or even what Police and Crime Commissioners will do.

With the closing date for nominations falling just a month away from the November 15 elections, the lobbying group says it has “serious concerns”.

Vic Bowsher MBE, chairman of Honiton Senior Voice, said: “So far, we have received no informations.

“Why has the Government decided against sending information to people’s homes, telling them what these posts are and who is standing?

“Although there are independent candidates, we object to the dominance of candidates representing the political parties who have more money and clout to contest this election.”

Mr Bowsher says pensioners represent “the largest group who turn out to vote” and that he is concerned about how democratic the elections will be.

He told the Herald: “Polls show that most people do not know the issues or even that there is an election going on.

“What if there is a low turnout because people lack information or are apathetic?

“Voting figures have fallen to 34 per cent. If the turnout is smaller than this, these appointments will lack even the veneer of being democratic.”

Candidates for the role in Devon and Cornwall are to be invited to a public meeting in Honiton on November 14 - the day before the election.

Honiton Senior Voice will host the meeting at the town’s methodist church, in Chapel Street, at 2pm.

Councillor Vernon Whitlock, a former police officer, has agreed to open the meeting.

Candidates so far include: Brian Blake (Lib Dem), Graham Calderwood (Independent), Brian Greenslade (Independent), Tony Hogg (Conservative), Ivan Jordan (Independent), Tam Macpherson (Independent), William Morris (Independent), Bob Smith (UKIP), John Smith (Independent) and Nicky Williams (Labour).

The final list of candidates will be announced tomorrow.