[Margaret Pilkington]

I agree with most of that son.....all except the compulsory voting.
After all the people who govern us can abstain from voting on issues of conscience so it follows that the electorate should be able to abstain.

If voting were made compulsory then surely the vote would not be secret....your vote could be traced or your non vote could be traced.
I continue to go along to the polling station....I peruse the candidates and vote for the person who I feel will do the best for the area. I take no account of which party banner or colours they travel under....just what they promise for our area.
I voted for our current incumbent, thinking....working man, knows the area, knows what we need to make the place better.
Really got that one wrong as he dances to the tune played by the Labour Party masters, with an eye to furthering a political career.

So come the 7th of May I will take myself down to Mercer house, look at the candidates(none of whom have been anywhere near my doorstep) and mull over who can best represent the needs of our town.
If necessary I will spoil my ballot rather than vote for someone who does not fit the bill....because you can be damn sure if they don't fit the bill at the start of their time in office, they sure as damnation won't be made to fit the bill while in office.