I FIND it disturbing that so many people haven’t bothered to register to vote. It also seems likely that the May 7 turnout will be low.

Apathy can be the death of democracy and low turnout at the polls is counter productive.

For example in many local council elections 25 per cent or less of those entitled to do actually vote.

Consequently if one candidate gets 13 per cent of the 25 per cent who voted while his rival only gets 12 per cent, he can then claim to be “the duly elected representative” for that ward and then can be responsible for decisions that can seriously adversely affect everyone.

I think voting should be compulsory with a voting paper that includes a box to tick that reads: “Not satisfied with any of the candidates.”

However, as this is hardly like to happen I suggest that all those who feel totally dissatisfied should go to the polling stations and deliberately spoil their ballot papers.

It is not widely enough known that unlike non-votes, all spoilt papers are counted, recorded and announced at the declaration.

Just imagine the media coverage and consequent panic amongst all political parties if there were thousands or better still millions of spoilt papers.

Roger Bruton, Broadmanor, Pocklington, York.