Now the dust has settled following the May 2 election the one thing which worries me more than anything else is the low turnout.

Around two-thirds of the almost 300,000 Dorset Council area residents entitled to vote did not bother.

The highest turnout was in Chesil Bank ward of just over 49%, but this was a rarity, less than 10per cent of the 82 seats, all of which were fought over, attracted over 40% turnout.

At the other end of the scale the hotly contested Westham, Weymouth ward only achieved 24.04%; Melcombe Regis 26.01%, Portland 27.24%.

These are less affluent areas so does income have something to do with it?

Probably not - both Ferndown seats were under 30% turnout with West Moors and Three Legged Cross 28.59% and West Parley 28.70%. In total 11 wards had less than 30 per cent voting.

Given that many households are paying upwards of £2,000 a year to Dorset Council; more when town and parish councils, police and fire are added in - why would you not want to influence who represents you?

Given that Dorset Council has a very well-staffed and able communications team who print free newspapers, send out frequent press releases, arrange exhibitions and are all over social media, why are people not engaging?

I'd like to think I make a small contribution - attending and independently reporting ever single DC public meeting, but while some items are very well read, I am always surprised by how relatively low interest there often is in articles of a more serious nature (social care/council tax/government funding).

With the Government and local authorities driving online for as much public interaction as they can should we switch to online voting (at least for those able to - with in person voting for those who don't want to, or can't).

Should voting be compulsory?

How about a small percentage reduction in council tax if you do vote?