Use your vote

David Hamill (Letters, 15 April) declares his intention not to vote at the general election, and exercises considerably more effort in advertising the fact than it would take to actually vote.

I would say three things to him: firstly, a joke; secondly, an anecdote, and thirdly, and most importantly, a fact.

The joke is: "Doctor, doctor, people keep ignoring me", to which the doctor replies: "Next!"

The anecdote is from veteran left-winger and life-long socialist Tony Benn who, upon being heckled by someone declaring that he wouldn't vote, replied: "That's good, because that means I can ignore everything you say!"

Finally, the fact. The universal franchise for all citizens (men and women) was only finally won in the 1920s. I pour shame on anyone who blithely ignores those who really did fight and die for the right to vote.

Use you vote, now and always, even if this means spoiling your ballot paper. The price of ignoring democracy is fascism.

MARTIN HULME

Alnwickhill Road

Edinburgh