MIXED feelings swell up inside me when I consider the issue of postal ballots in the local elections this year.

It will be easier for me to vote, but something will be missing from this allegedly progressive democratic experience.

Am I alone in actually enjoying the trip to the polling station on a wet Thursday? Are there any others out there who find comfort in the stub of pencil on a string and other mildly eccentric aspects of elections past?

Although I have never been a card-carrying member of any political party, I have always had a soft spot for people of conviction who are either prepared to stand for election themselves or work tirelessly on behalf of others.

There has always been cynicism about politicians, but if I close my eyes I can conjure up a vision of golden days when local elections seemed to matter. There were more posters displayed, candidates and canvassers were more visible on the streets and rivals enjoyed (mostly) friendly banter as they sat outside the polling station noting the numbers on the cards carried by voters.

Cars whizzed to and fro filled with elderly people solicitously collected by activists in the hope that their cross would be cast for the candidate they supported. No doubt many took a wicked delight in doing nothing of the kind.

Proceedings inside were watched over keenly by town hall staff earning a few bob extra, secure in the knowledge that they were helping to preserve democratic probity.

But in May all this will disappear and those of us who can be bothered will vote by post.

Council officials seem to be encouraged by the "success" of a pilot scheme last year in Smithills (percentage poll 36 per cent), Bromley Cross (36 per cent) and Farnworth (20 per cent). The view seems to be that postal voting in May will help disenchanted citizens become more aware of their democratic responsibilities and increase their participation. I really hope this is the case, but you have to suspect that the great majority of voting forms will go in the bin. Unless the parties use their imagination to make sure more individuals vote, that is.

Will activists be knocking on doors and offering to take envelopes to the post box, for instance? Will they be collected centrally in establishments such as old folks' homes, churches, temples, mosques and community centres? Could a new social phenomenon arise in which political parties hire large halls and offer free biscuits (or other inducements) to anybody turning up with a sealed envelope? We might even see the day when posting the envelope in a giant inflatable post box becomes a major social occasion in Victoria Square backed by bands, dancers and fireworks. Then again, we might not.

Bolton Council says each ballot paper will have a barcode designed to prevent fraud and it will require a signature as well as a cross. This sounds eminently reassuring, but I cannot believe that we will get through the forthcoming election without somebody, somewhere crying foul.