Editorial: So, who should I vote for?

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You can't miss the fact that election time is nigh.

Everywhere you look smiling politicians and candidates are looking at you.

My family has always voted for the same party. I know that now but when I was growing up it seemed to be a secret. One couldn't say who one voted for. I wondered why. Perhaps the other people would come along and throw stones at us or something.

Some people are quite open about who they vote for while others hold it close to their chests.

The important thing, of course, is that you use your vote.

I've lost count of the number of people I've spoken to who don't bother.

"What's the point?" they say. "All politicians rip us off anyway."

I don't think that's true but I do think if you can't be bothered voting don't moan and groan about the government.

To be honest - and I'm probably going to get a telling off from my mother - I haven't decided who to vote for this time.

I will be watching and listening to see what is offered and promised in the weeks leading up to the election on September 20.

I'll be looking not only for policies that help me out (some tax cuts would be very nice thank you) but also education, health, welfare and housing policies.

I'd love to see some hard lines taken against domestic violence and heavier penalties for violent criminals.

Most likely there are many others out there just like me, ready to be persuaded to vote for you politicians ... show us your colours.