The Editor,

Dear Sir,

On the front page of the May 15 edition of 'Southern Highland News' was the headline ‘1 in 4 fail to vote'.

I am not surprised.

Maybe the main reason for this was the fact that many people didn't know.

My wife and I were unaware that there was an election. We do not read newspapers and only listen to one radio program (i98FM).

There was nothing said about the election on this program.

Although there were a couple of candidates' posters around the village there was no mention of when the election would be.

It wasn't until my cousin and his wife came to visit us on the day of the election that we found out.

We voted - but it was only because they made us aware of it.

If it hadn't been for my cousin we would have been among the 1-in-4 not voting. Not because we weren't interested, but because we were ignorant of the fact.

According to the officials at the polling station, many people complained of not being informed.

As it is compulsory to vote in this country, surely it is the Council's responsibility to inform people.

Would it cost so much or be too much trouble to send out leaflets in the post informing constituents?

We are informed of main elections in this way.

Sincerely,

R eg Maynard,

Robertson.