If we wait to hear what the parties are telling us, then we are allowing them to dictate how we see the election. It is usual when we go into a shop, after all, to have an idea what we want to buy. We don?t usually spend our money on what the shop most wants to sell us. Likewise, a democracy should start from the bottom up, so by the time you begin receiving those leaflets, you ought to know what it is you?re voting about: don?t let the parties tell you.

So, if the election is for a county council, its main responsibilities are social care and health, highways and transport, education, waste management and the environment, and public safety. If the leaflet talks about something else, it is trying to lead you into subjects the party would prefer. You can make your own judgement on why.