Do you need a reason to vote today?

Already done it. I always take my children with me before school so they can actually see what democracy looks like. I think it's important to show them that although there's a lot of corruption in the air at the moment - that actually we do have more of a voice than in many other nations - particularly on the eve of the Tiannamen Square massacre (which we spoke about with them this morning).

I just looked up my local polling station (only recently moved, so hadn't voted here before) and realised its opposite my house! I'm at work now, but will definitely be voting when I get home tonight. I also took the time to also look my local election candidates - its worth knowing who is committed to what. Given I have a choice of only Labour, Conservatative and Lib Dem for my local council - I'm going to go with Lib Dems (currently the guy we have is a Lib Dem and it looks like he's doing a reasonable job of acting in our local interests).

The moment we all forget or can't be arsed to vote, is the dangerous moment when we stand to loose out to those who don't respect true democracy. We must never forget that democracy constantly needs oiling - we are the oil that makes this system work.

My reason After Voting Earlier this Morning for Some Other Party Rather than Labour, Which I have Voted for 40 years is not just the Corruption in all Parties but the People of the UK can send a Clear message, We may never get another Opportunity Again.

I've already voted. I can't blame people for being tempted not to vote when we are surrounded by greedy, corrupt politicians. However, it is important that we do. You are spot on - the right to vote was won by hard struggle. For a real alternative for ordinary people against the bureaucrats in Brussels, and whose candidates promise not to make personal gain from these elections - see source below.

Another reason to vote - to keep the BNP out. The European elections are proportional representation, so the fascists only need about 9% of the vote to get in. "For evil to triumph, it is only necessary that good men and women do nothing".

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As an aside, re: Solidarnosc 1989 - I would say anti-Stalinist rather than anti-communist as the undemocratic, totalitarian regime in Eastern Europe was definitely not communist.

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SBD - I totally agree - great example to set your children.

Morning Hal - absolutely right. We must all vote today because that is the only means we (the voting public) have to change things. If people do not vote they throw their chance away to bring about this much needed change.

Excellent point and I will be going to the polling station after work with my voting card clutched very firmly in my hand.

You forgot to mention December 2007.Gordon Brown reneges on a manifest pledge and signs the Lisbon Treaty without the mandate of the British people.

If the EU is that good why doesn't he convince us of that and let us decide for ourselves.Surely the steamroller approach only serves to alienate people and make them suspicious of his motives.

I always vote. I sometimes threaten to not bother, but I do. I have had to drag my girl to the polls in the past, but she has more interest these days.

While it was great that Solidarity opposed the communist state in Poland, Lech Wałęsa is a reactionary right winger at heart. He is a committed homophobe, who calls it "Intrinsically evil". I guess that's one view, but it makes him a git in my books.

I voted based on the "reason" why I'm fearful & angry....it's called facts! No spin. TO: Arminius - Fear and anger are not reasons. They are the results of emotions based on causes. The causes are the reasons. The emotional feelings and reactions ( reasons ) are the result of those causes. People don't vote based on anger. They vote based on why and what made them angry.

I totally agree Hal, I have just voted.

Also I can think of several hundred thousand reasons from 39-45, All who died so that we may be free today to argue, debate and vote

We should ALL vote. People should give the fact that we live in a democracy the respect it deserves.