I agree with councillor Laura Murphy (Opinion, September 21) that we should exercise our right to vote, but I believe many people may be discouraged from registering, or disenfranchised after doing so, by the present system.

I receive an endless stream of junk mail from firms which have obviously targeted the electoral roll, which is freely available to purchase. I believe one can even buy a CD-rom with electors' names ready-formatted for addressing. Electors' details are also available on certain internet websites.

Many people have justifiable fears that stalkers, criminals or the media will be able to trace them through the roll if they register.

The current free availability is a misuse of the democratic system. The roll should be for electoral purposes only.

Additionally, the roll is compiled in September, whereas most elections are held in May. Many people who move house in the meantime find themselves disenfranchised as a result.

If you register now, and move next month, you will not be able to vote until spring 2002. The system needs changing on both counts.

Nigel Breakspear, Brunswick Square, Hove

Streets of shame

Having spent a lovely two weeks in southern Spain with its clean streets and distinct lack of drunks or beggars, I returned to Brighton to be confronted by the same sight at Brighton station.

Doesn't it make you proud to live in a town which tolerates this kind of behaviour? What must visitors to England think when they see scenes such as this?

-Janet Stanford, St James's Street, Brighton