With reference to correspondences regarding the forthcoming elections.

While it is tempting to withhold one's vote in contempt of all the contenders it should be remembered that Hitler was elected because voters were so disenchanted with the conventional parties that they didn't turn out, allowing the Nazis supporters to win.

On the subject of the "secret" ballot, let us be clear. It has never been secret. When you went to the polling booth and collected your ballot paper, you were asked your address and your identity.

Your electoral number was entered on the counterfoil of your ballot paper, thus making it possible to trace that ballot paper back to you.

Our much-vaunted democratic system has a very long way to go. Though, it might have proved more difficult

for Bush and his gang of crooks and con-men to rig a British election so blatantly as they did their own.

-Vince Wild, Brighton