IT is free, easy and just a phone call away to make your mark on the Police and Crime Commissioner Election for the Devon and Cornwall area next month by using a postal or proxy vote.

The final deadline for applications to receive a postal vote for the November 15 election is next week on Wednesday, October 31.

To vote by post contact West Devon Borough Council's elections office for an application form on 01822 813665. Send your application form by October 31 and a postal vote will be sent out within a few days.

October 31 is also the deadline for ensuring a vote at the election. Register your details with West Devon Borough Council and your name will be included on the voting list. Contact the council's elections office on 01822 813665 for a claim form, complete it, and send it back by 5pm on that day.

Now is also the time to consider applying to vote by proxy. A proxy vote means that someone can vote on your behalf. The deadline for completed applications is 5pm on Wednesday, November 7. Again, contact the council's elections office on 01822 813665 and ask for an application form.

Ten people are standing for the election. They are: Brian Samuel Blake (Liberal Democrat), Graham David Calderwood (Independent), Brian Carol Greenslade (Independent), Tony Hogg (The Conservative Party Candidate), Ivan James Jordan (Independent), Tam Macpherson (Independent), William Morris (Independent), John Smith (Independent), Robert Lee Smith (UK Independence Party) and Nicky Williams (Labour Party Candidate).