Don't Forget to Vote!

I'm lucky enough to be in Cornwall this weekend, talking to galleries about showing my Alphabet Coast work. It's been amusing, on the way down from Dorset, looking at the political posters. Round us, in South Dorset, most posters in the towns are for Jim Knight, our Labour MP for the last 13 years, lots for Ros Kayes, the Lib Dem candidate, and billions all over the countryside for Richard Drax, the Tory candidate. The important thing to know in South Dorset is that Richard Drax owns half the land his billboards are displayed on.

[CORRECTION: The South Dorset Conservative Association have pointed out to me that in fact "Richard Drax does not own the land where his posters are displayed. The land belongs to his supporters who have requested posters in order to show their support." I apologise and have added this addendum - I'd assumed his 7,000 acre estate stretched further than it did. I've met Richard on several occasions and I genuinely believe that he has the best intentions - it's just that some of his attitudes worry me and I'd prefer to be represented by somebody with something in common with the people they represent - no offence. Read more about Richard at The Daily Mail if you like - though it suggests he went to Eton, which is untrue. I believe he went to Harrow. Anyway... ]

It really does feel like a political fight from the 19th century, peers vs the people. Personally, I think the same is true nationally. Why else would the Tories all work so hard to mask their backgrounds behind 'normal' sounding names and a lot of Obama-speak?

Down here it looks like a straight fight between Lib Dems and Tories, though I was pleased to see that there is a Party for Cornwall too. Hope it doesn't split the left of centre vote and let the Tories in!

This poster was on the road out of Falmouth, on a hoarding around a demolition site. The heart is presumably referring to the closure of the co-op shop in Falmouth, which I read is now a Sainsbury. An unusual topic for sprayed-on graffiti! The Tory poster has been modified, I think. Or maybe it's just that the candidate has decided to be honest about Tory policies...

Whatever you plan to vote for or against, please do go and do it. Or spoil your ballot in protest - enough spoilt ballots makes a good point. If you don't bother to turn up you have no right to complain about the result.

I'll add a map when I have a better internet connection. Which party will give me better broadband?!

Photo taken here.