LATEST forecasts suggest that barely a third of the electorate will cast votes in next month's European and council elections.

And yet we are told by all political parties contesting the elections that Europe and public services are two key issues in modern politics.

The European Union is so important that we are to be asked to vote in a referendum to determine what our future role will be.

And local authorities are so important that they generate a lot of criticism when council tax bills land on our mats.

It is strange, therefore, that two out of three people may choose not to have a say on who will represent them in the European Parliament or the town hall.

The advent of postal ballots eliminates people's inability to vote. We assume, therefore, that low turn-outs reflect the degree of apathy among the electorate.

Apathy may point to a poor level of engagement by the political parties. But that is not the case this time round.

The issues of Europe and local services are constantly debated by the parties.

Indeed, on both issues there are clearly defined policy differences among the main political parties. There are real choices to be made.

Britain is preaching the virtues of democracy and devolving power to ordinary people in Iraq.

What signal will a 30 per cent turn-out next month send to the rest of the world?

The right to vote is precious and must not be taken for granted. Voter apathy will only play into the hands of the parties of extreme views and their extreme supporters.

Surely it is better to cast your vote than spend the next four or five years regretting the consequences of not exercising your right.