AS the election gets nearer, various opinion polls will come out with their updates on the voting patterns.

There is no doubt that these polls can have an impact on the election result, especially concerning the turnout.

If the polls indicate that the main parties are neck and neck then the voters will naturally want to cast their vote. However, if there is a clear front runner (as likely this time) then many people may not vote as the result appears to be a foregone conclusion.

Perhaps opinion polls should publish their final poll at least one week before the end of the election campaign in order to encourage more interest up to polling day.

D Wearmouth, Shildon