I think the idea of making the vote compulsory is an interesting one.

We live in a democracy do we not?

At the core of a democracy is the freedom to choose.

This must include the freedom to choose not to vote.

I think instead of forcing people it would be more prudent to increase the profile of our local politicians.

For the recent local elections I had no information about the candidates who were standing in my area apart from a very badly put together newsletter from the Conservatives.

What happened to door knocking and introducing yourself? Is this a thing of the past?

If we are to be a nation of educated voters we must be canvassed properly.

The Government cannot expect people to care enough to vote if they are not engaged with the candidates.

I think it is terrible if you usurp your right to vote but making it mandatory is not the way to solve the problem of apathy.

We need people to care about the issues which concern them locally.

More prominence is needed by each of the parties at a grass roots level.

Then there may be hope that people will take more of an interest in national issues and in turn this will push the level of our political debate up from the gutter where it lies at the moment, gasping.