IN the run up to the General Election on Thursday , May 7 we can all expect the political parties to step up their campaigning and set out their policies to the electorate.

All the opinion polls in England suggest it will be a very close contest between Labour and Conservatives with increased pressure from smaller parties including The Liberal Democrats, The Greens and UKIP.

A recent survey suggested that as many as a third of voters have no idea who they will vote for and there are added concerns about falling levels of voter registration. It is estimated that following Government changes to voter registration as many as one million voters may have disappeared from electoral rolls.

There is no doubt that our political system has its faults but as citizens I feel we all have a responsibility to participate in the democratic process. Individuals such as Russell Brand may help generate political debate, but I for one do not share his view that people should not bother voting. Around the world people strive for democracy, we should not take it for granted.

For anyone who is not currently registered to vote I would encourage them to do so. Further information is available via the website:

aboutmyvote.co.uk/register-to-vote

Cecilia Costello

Bolton