VOTE! Do it! The nice people give us 15 HOURS to get to a polling station, and even then if we're unavailable, immobile or too bloody lazy we can do it by post or let someone else do it on our behalf! There's no excuse.

One hundred years ago, the ordinary people were campaigning to have the right to determine who ran their country. Prior to 1918, only men who owned a certain amount of property could vote. After 1918, all men over 21 who were houseowners and women over 30 who were met certain conditions could vote. After 1928, all men and women over 21 could vote. Finally.

And yet, 82 years after the privilege was given to us, only 61% of the eligble population bother to vote (that's the 2005 turnout rate). It's pathetic. Forcing people to vote may be a rather extreme measure to take, but it's one I think should be enforced. I could go on with the "People died to give you the vote" angle but instead I'll say this. The government for the next four-five years will be determined by the result of this vote. Every vote counts. If you don't vote, you don't help the nation at all. Even if you vote for the smallest party, it's still voting.

Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, UK Independence, Independant Candidates, Christian, Communist, English Democrat, British National, Liberal, Monster Raving Loony, Socialist, Socialist Workers, Socialist Democrats, Green... Any of them and more. As long as you do your bit.

So go out there later today, and have your say.