by political editor Paul Francis

Candidates bidding to become Kent's first directly-elected police
commissioner say the elections risk descending into farce because of a
rock bottom turnout.

Campaigners and candidates from across the country have written to Home
Secretary Theresa May to warn that unless steps are taken to generate
more interest, the polls are in anger of "descending into farce."

Some surveys suggest turnout could be as low as 15% in some areas. In
Kent, which has an electorate of about 1.2m, that could mean just
180,000 of those eligible, taking part.

Kent independent candidate Ann Barnes and Labour candidate Harriet Yeo
are among those who have signed an open letter which was organised by
the Electoral Reform Society.

In it, the Home Secretary is urged to do more to let voters know what is
happening, who the candidates are and why the elections ae taking place.

The letter states: "Police and Crime Commissioners want the chance to
speak for local people. This will be impossible with rock bottom turnout
and as the Police Federation have warned, low turnouts can also open the
door to extreme candidates."

Kate Ghose of the Electoral Reform Society, said: "Candidates are
working hard to engage voters locally but it's time that the Home Office
fulfill their side of the bargain or these elections are in serious
danger of descending into farce."

Harriet Yeo, the Labour hopeful in Kent, said: "It seems strange that
the government, after campaigning so hard to get these elections in
place, now seem content in having the lowest turnout in history.

"I hope Theresa May listens carefully to the points."