The real problem for both the "yes" and "no" camps in their campaigns about an elected mayor has nothing to do with the arguments of either side.

It is about enthusing the people of this city enough to get them to bother voting at all.

I sense a profound apathy, a stifling blanket of indifference over the process - sure indications of a catastrophically low poll.

It is sad but true that local politics are considered brain numbingly dull. And as I write, early indications suggest the tiniest of majorities for the winning side.

The combination of a low poll and an ill-defined result would be disastrous.

It is the worst possible starting point for the new governance of the city whether it is to be via an elected mayor, my own choice, or a scrubbed up version of the grubby old committee system. It would also be utterly undemocratic.

Do not forget that in the general election, earlier this year, voter apathy was so intense, only 59 per cent of the electorate bothered to turn out for the poll and little more than 20 per cent voted New Labour.

The resulting massive majority of New Labour seats for the Government can hardly be regarded as democratic.

While the mayoral campaign may be just a local affair and of little import in the overall scheme of international events, the underlying principle of democracy at work is precisely the same.

All over the world, millions of oppressed people are desperate for the freedom to vote for the party or personality of their choice. For most of them, it is a dream that may never come true. Dictatorship will prevail.

Which is why I am so heartily sick of listening to the unthinking dolts in this so-called enlightened country of ours who claim it is their democratic right not to bother voting if that is how they feel.

The right to vote is a hard won privilege for both men and women and it is as important locally as it is nationally.

It should be regarded as a duty and a responsibility, not something to be casually disregarded on a whim.

I have already argued in this column for compulsory voting along Australian lines and I maintain that view.

But worryingly, the intense atmosphere at public meetings for the mayoral debate is becoming poisonous.

The level of argument is puerile, the slogan shouting deafening. One meeting, broadcast live on Southern Counties radio, was notable for vicious, personalised attacks by the "no" campaigners on two of the "yes" panellists, Lord Bassam and Simon Fanshawe.

Both responded with impressive dignity. Sadly, the chairman, JoAnne Good, was quite unable to deal with the barracking. The poor dear was well out of her depth.

But whichever way the vote goes, it is vital for Brighton the result is a decisive one. This lively, stimulating, unique city of ours deserves nothing less.