For our last General Election, in 2001, only 59.4% of us could be bothered to turn out and put our cross on the ballot paper. In all probability, when we go to the polls next time - perhaps May this year - the turnout is unlikely to be significantly higher.
Contrast this with the election held yesterday in Iraq. Would-be voters there faced the very real possibility of injury or death - over 40 people did die in attacks. Despite this, the turnout figure there is estimated at 57%...