VOTERS in London will be asked next week whether they want an elected mayor. The signs are that they will.

In a more modest way, a referendum is being held in Brighton and Hove at the same time. Electors in the Portslade and Rottingdean byelections will be asked questions about making voting more attractive. Councils control many activities for local people who are quick to complain when things go wrong. Yet turnout at local elections is only about half the general election level. Directly elected mayors, polling stations in supermarkets and changing voting from Thursday to Sundays are all ideas that might help increase turnout. It's a good idea to boost interest in the way councils work so that we can ensure, as far as possible, that the best people are elected irrespective of party. Astart is being made next week both in London and Sussex.

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