Just 40 per cent of the public polled in a survey by The Argus say they will vote in Thursday’s inaugural police commissioner election.

And a paltry one-in-six say they have received material through the post from the candidates.

By 4pm yesterday (November 13) 2,000 voted in the online poll at theargus.co.uk, with fewer than half claiming they would visit the ballot box on Thursday, November 15.

Home Secretary Theresa May has refused to set out a target turnout for the elections, but has said that 62% of the eligible population are aware of the voting.

Despite being the biggest shake-up of policing in 50 years, the elections for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) might see a turnout as low as 10%.

Commissioners will make and influence key decisions, from spending on CCTV to how to tackle gang crime and drug-dealing.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper warned yesterday: “The Home Secretary cannot run away from her responsibility for turnout in these elections.

“Theresa May chose to hold these elections in November rather than May, causing confusion even among Tory MPs.”

Pick up a copy of The Argus each day this week for the latest news and analysis of Thursday’s Police and Crime Commissioner election.

In tomorrow's edition (Wednesday, November 14) candidates put their point across by answering questions on policing and justice.

See all The Argus Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner stories at: www.theargus.co.uk/news/special/policecommissioner

For breaking news from the count centre on Friday follow the live story on this website.

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