It is hard to get enthused about Thursday’s European Parliamentary election.

For one thing, few people know or care what goes on in this distant assembly.

For another, the South East constituency for which we vote is a bureaucratic concoction with little demographic reality, to which nobody feels the slightest allegiance.

Again, we are not allowed in this election to vote for individuals, only for parties, and I for one dislike voting for parties.

And there are 15 of them on the list, many of whom most people have never heard of and know nothing about.

These 15 parties are putting up no fewer than 118 candidates (up to ten per party) and, scanning these names, I have to say I recognise only three.

That’s 115 candidates about whom I know nothing.

This seems to me a far from satisfactory way to hold an election. More like an exercise in democratic blind-dating. No wonder if most people go into the polling booths (if they can be bothered to turn up) in order to use the occasion to register a protest.

Graham Chainey, Marine Parade, Brighton

You may be wondering “Why bother?” to vote this Thursday in the European elections.

Low turnout is the norm but if everyone who cares about the environment votes, it could make a huge difference to UK habitats, wildlife and our health.

EU laws protect many of our best nature reserves, control pesticides and drive good farming practices.

The EU plays a vital role in tackling climate change, ensuring countries invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

It also helps make our products more energy efficient, which saves money, reduces emissions and drives innovation around the world.

The EU has already passed a 50% recycling target to help reduce waste and is pushing countries to improve air quality.

I wouldn’t dream of telling you which way to vote – just do get out and vote. Our environment is too precious to leave it to chance.

Brenda Pollack, South East campaigner for Friends Of The Earth

This coming Thursday is election day, and here in Brighton and Hove we get to vote for those we wish to represent us in the European Parliament.

The recently formed Brighton and Hove Hope Not Hate campaign is keen first to encourage all people to use their vote.

Whoever it is that you vote for, please, please use your vote.

Some of the language we have heard during the run-up to these elections does not sit well with the values of mutual respect and diversity that make Brighton what it is.

I would encourage people, when using their vote, to support parties who promote those values.

Don’t vote for hate this Thursday. Vote for hope.

Brian Stone, Brighton And Hove Hope Not Hate