'Damp squib' election for top police position fails to enthuse voters
VOTERS in Derby seemingly turned their backs on the county's first Police and Crime Commissioner election yesterday.
At a polling station in the city, one voter called the event "a damp squib," while others complained they were unaware it was taking place.
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From noon today, the ballot boxes will be emptied and the count will start for the £75,000-a-year position.
Whichever of the four candidates in Derbyshire is successful will oversee the work of the constabulary.
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He will have powers which include hiring and firing the Chief Constable and setting the council tax precept.
More than 780,000 Derbyshire residents were eligible to vote and the turnout will be known when the new commissioner is announced, possibly later today.
Yesterday, not one person entered or left the polling station St Augustine's Community Centre, in Almond Street, Derby, between 12.15pm and 12.30pm.
Outside, John Hill, 38, from nearby Crewe Street, said: "I have no idea what this is for.
"It's not voting for council again, is it?
"If it is, I've not had a card through the post or anyone knocking on my door."
Alfie Johnson, of Boyer Street, did decide to vote at his polling station on the same street.
The 36-year-old said: "I don't think the police around here do a good enough job.
"There are people smoking drugs on the street. I see it all the time but things don't seem to get done.
"I voted because I want someone to sort them out."
David Gale, Alan Charles, Rod Hutton and Simon Spencer are the four candidates vying for the commissioner role.
The count will take place at Alfreton Leisure Centre.
Outside the polling station at All Nations for Christ Christian Fellowship, in Walbrook Street, Normanton, Amber Mills said she had no idea the elections were taking place.
The 23-year-old, of Underhill Avenue, said: "I can't remember getting a polling card through the post.
"I've not seen anything about this on TV and no-one has come knocking on my door asking me to vote for them."
Outside her polling station in Stockbrook Street, Natasha Meakin, 40, of Lynton Street, said she had to research all of the candidates herself.
She said: "I wanted to exercise my right to vote but I received no literature through the post from anyone so had to look at each candidates through their websites before deciding who to cast my vote for.
"It's a complete waste of money really, a bit of a damp squib."
The Home Office says the cost of the election nationally is about £75 million.
Comments
by ramATREE
Friday, November 16 2012, 5:49PM
“no body votes because nobody is intrested ,made up job wasteing tax payers money,should off used the money to get rid off the scum out off this country instead off bleeding it dry”
by Ksdhindsa79
Friday, November 16 2012, 4:52PM
“Con wins Labour PCC Derbyshire. What a Farce *laughs* Derbyshire Police LAUGHING STOCK. Shambles. Shambolic.”
by smshogun
Friday, November 16 2012, 3:54PM
“Idleness has little to do with the issue, nationally people see it as a farce, often with only politically biased candidates, and chose not to vote for something they dont support, and something which cant change things people want changing the most.”
by Ksdhindsa79
Friday, November 16 2012, 3:45PM
“Here we go Independents OUT.
Lab Con left.
Chances are we'll get the one with the Conviction *laughs*
What a FARCE.
Year of the 'Shambles'”
by Sadie73
Friday, November 16 2012, 3:18PM
“When public sector workers were voting to strike, Tory MPs and their supporters were queueing up to say that low turnouts should mean ballot results were declared invalid. Bit quieter today.”
by commanon
Friday, November 16 2012, 2:31PM
“I knew it was happening - but I didn't vote.
Why? There was not an "I don't want this" box for me to tick.”
by RobF11
Friday, November 16 2012, 12:52PM
“The Tories have just stated that it "would not have been appropriate at a time of austerity to use taxpayers money for free mail shots for Police Commissioner elections"
Such hypocrisy! Quite happy to spend tax payers money on the election in the first place. Low turnout shows just how much people don't care about this made up post.”
by OllyB1
Friday, November 16 2012, 10:22AM
“Quite right Prancer”
by Ksdhindsa79
Friday, November 16 2012, 10:17AM
“It was a damp squib yes, but i'm glad i voted because Derbyshire Constabulary need to be held accountable for their incompetence and gaffes.
However, they also need to be praised when they get it right too.
It would be great for an Independent to emerge victorious but it would also be a great shame if the old remnants of the previous lame Derbyshire PA were once again able to get their own way.
In the last 3 years it has been reported that crime figures have fallen in Derbyshire, but in the same time complaints have risen.
I feel the old PA were far too cosy in their dealings with the DC.
Finally...it would be an absolute joke if the PCC with the conviction was to be elected.
How Embarrassing. Poor Chief.”
by Prancer___
Friday, November 16 2012, 10:00AM
“Quite simply those who were too idle to vote need to shut up as they now have no right to moan about the outcome.”