The first Police and Crime Commissioner Elections take place on Thursday 15 November 2012 and residents are being urged to consider applying for a postal vote to avoid a journey to a polling station at a time when there will be shorter daylight hours and possible poor weather.

It's really easy and quick. All you need to do is to download an application form from your Council's website, or send them an email or ring their postal vote helpline. The deadline for receiving applications for postal votes is 5pm on 31 October 2012.

Derbyshire Police Area Returning Officer Peter Carney said: "Holding elections during winter months could have its challenges, so postal voting is a very convenient way of making sure that you do not lose your vote, particularly for those people who are too busy to get to a polling station or if bad weather could prevent them from attending."

The contact details for each Council are:

Amber Valley Borough Council - 01773 841634 or email elections@ambervalley.gov.uk

Bolsover District Council - 01246 242528 - democratic.services@bolsover.gov.uk

Chesterfield Borough Council - 01246 345402 or email elections@chesterfield.gov.uk

Derbyshire Dales District Council - 01629 761335 or email electoral@derbyshiredales.gov.uk

Derby City Council - 01332 287288 or email elections@derby.gov.uk

Erewash Borough Council - 0115 9071190 or email electreg@erewash.gov.uk

High Peak Borough Council - 0845 129 777 (ext. 2133) or email elections@highpeak.gov.uk

North East Derbyshire District Council - 01246 217068 or 217069 or email elections@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk

South Derbyshire District Council - 01283 595723 or email elections@south-derbys.gov.uk