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Hello. Not many years ago I was asked by a newspaper to follow a well-known election candidate as you went about his canvassing.

Well, the man was standing as an independent, so he couldn't call upon any traditional party

allegiances, so instead he concentrated upon his knowledge of the neighborhood, introducing

himself to each householder by saying, well you can trust me because I come from around here.

I still treasure the moment when we arrived on the sixth floor landing of a large

rundown block of flats and the candidate rang all the four front doorbells and waited in the middle

of the landing for some response. Well after a long wait one door inched open on a

chain and an elderly lady's face appeared. The candidate sprang into action. I'm so and so, he boomed and you can

count on me because I come from round here. The woman squinted at him through the gap. I wouldn't

trust anyone who came from round here, she said, abruptly

closing the door. Well I sometimes thought of that incident when I've been reading reports about

how low voter turnout and the possible links between this and social

inequality and deprivation I mean why you vote when nothing appears to

improve your life? The elections will you be voting?

No. Why not?

Don't vote for any of them?

Tell me why?

I don't trust Labour.

I said I won't vote for the stories.

Lots of people around here don't vote.

...