To think that voting should be compulsory, with a £1000 fine for failing to cast your vote.

[HecatesTwopenceworth]

Bloody voter apathy drives me crazy! If you don't vote you have no right to moan about the state of things. 17.5% turnout in Salford.

17.5%

Outrageous.

I think that voting should be compulsory, but there should be an additional box on the form to allow you to abstain, if you do not wish to give any of the candidates your vote, and that you have longer to vote - so there are sessions over several days, to allow people time to vote around their commitments.

But not voting should not be an option imo, even if your vote is I Wish To Not Vote (cos you're all bastards)

Go on. Hit me...

Oh, and as far as the upcoming European elections are concerned, it's well worth voting, even if you hate what the main parties stand for: voting for the Greens, for example, could actually make a difference, as there is a system closer to proportional representation in euro elections and the European Greens are stronger than they are here.

And if you think our domestic politicians are at it, I'm sure the MEPs are ten times worse...would very much like ot see an expose of their spending habits.

Bump09 - I can understand if you aren't interested in politics or find it confusing, but it is important to know that your vote can make a difference. A low turnout can mean scary people like the BNP get more seats and also as I mentioned before, Hitler was voted in largely BECAUSE of a low turn out and that was a f*cking disaster.

I agree the PR for politicians isn't good, it is difficult to find out what their policies and manifestos are but wherever possible in that case, vote Green.

I am honestly NOT a Green MP, I just think that makes sense as we all have to care about the planet if nothing else!!

vote for parties who are in favour of proportional representation...then everyones vote will count. If everyones vote counted I would be in favour of compulsory voting..