Subscribe for free e-mail updates

Make sure you vote in North East Somerset's close and exciting two-horse race between Labour and the Tories

The eyes of the whole country will be here on ultra-marginal North East Somerset in the next few weeks. This constituency is one of the closest and most exciting Labour-Tory two-horse races anywhere. With the Lib Dems set to again finish a distant third, the 'Labour or Tory' decision of people who usually support other parties will be key to deciding the outcome.

Of course elections tend to dominate TV, radio and newspapers, and many people tire of hearing about it. But 'election fatigue' tends not to dent the percentage turnout of voters here - one of the UK's highest.

So whatever your political persuasion, I hope you'll use the hard-earned democratic right to vote when the time comes - especially younger people who've turned 18 since the 2005 General Election.

There's plenty of interest amongst people for whom this is the first opportunity to vote in a General Election. But when you've not done it before, uncertainty about the nuts and bolts can be a put-off: How you make sure you're registered to vote, for example. And exactly what happens in the polling station too.

For experienced voters this may seem like second nature. But first-time voters visiting my website will find a simple and completely impartial Electoral Commission guide on what to do to ensure you can make your voice heard on election day.

Written for The Chew Valley Gazette April 2010

Back to News contents list