YOUR headline in the editorial column 'US 'Pzazz' could replace voters' apathy" (LET, July 31) betrays little knowledge of politics.

Actually, the USA has the lowest voter registration in the western world and of those who actually are on the electoral roll, the USA has regularly the lowest turnouts in the western world. Rather than ensuring turnout, the injection of 'pzazz' seems to have a proven track record of turning voters off.

It is the chance for real political change and choice which will ensure that voters turn out. This is also the reason for the last General Election here producing the lowest turnout for a very long time.

When we eventually move from the politics of style back to the politics of substance we will see a rise of voter interest.

Locally, giving local authorities back the powers which the Tories stripped away and, unfortunately, New Labour has not yet restored, will also give voters a reason to turn out.

MICHAEL HINDLEY, MEP, Lancashire South.

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