THE LEADER of Blackburn with Darwen council has said publicly that he has no faith in petitions, even those signed by 1,000 people.

A telephone poll run by this newspaper was derided by his group as unrepresentative -- even though the vote went 331 to 7 against its decision to hold private "cabinet" meetings.

They have consulted widely with the public, they say.

Well, tomorrow, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating when the public have a chance to register their vote in a poll to which even arrogant politicians have to pay heed.

The tragedy is that once again apathy will rule.

In countries around the world people are prepared to put themselves in harm's way to exercise their democratic right.

Just look at the mayhem in Zimbabwe where opposition supporters are being murdered or in East Timor where the public defied murderous gangs to go to the polls. Yet most people in Britain will stay away from the local elections tomorrow allowing some politicians to continue to pursue their policies by default.

This could, of course, be a symptom of the contempt in which the electorate hold politicians. It could also be sign of satisfaction with the status quo.

The fact remains that it is important that the vast majority of the electorate register its vote and let those who would rule us know how we feel about their policies.

This year there is an important principle at stake.

If the government, both nationally and locally, get their way this could be the last local elections when you will be openly informed about when goes on in our town halls.

Next time round they will tell you only what they want you to hear.

Tomorrow you can tell them what you want them to hear.