Voters in the North East are going to the polls for the third time this year.
The Northumbria Police force area needs a new police and crime commissioner (PCC), a role which was introduced by David Cameron's Government in 2012.
A police and crime commissioner is tasked with making sure police forces run effectively. They don't run a force - that's down the most senior officer, the chief constable - but they do oversee it and represent people's concerns.
Not clued up on the election? Here's everything you need to know about it in two minutes:
When is the election?
The poll will be held on Thursday, July 18.
Who can vote in it?
Anyone registered to vote in the Northumbria Police area - Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland - can participate.
Who is standing the election?
At time of writing, only one party has confirmed their candidate but keep checking back because we'll updating this article when we know more.
Labour
Newcastle City Council cabinet member Kim McGuinness has been selected as Labour's cabinet.
The 34-year-old was first elected in 2015 and holds the culture, sport and public health portfolio.
Why do we need a new PCC?
The election is taking place because Dame Vera Baird , who was served in the role since 2012, is quitting to take up a new role.
Dame Vera, the former MP for Redcar and UK Solicitor General, was due to be in the role until 2020 but has been appointed to the national Victims' Commissioner job.
What powers do they have?
According to the police.co.uk website , the PCC has the following main powers:
- being directly accountable to the scrutiny of the public
- having the democratic mandate to respond to local people's concerns
- setting local force's policing priorities and force budget
- working with local partners to prevent crime
- holding their chief constable to account for the performance of the force
- appointing, and where necessary dismissing, the chief constable
- taking on the functions and duties of fire and rescue authorities
