It's almost time to elect London's Mayor. There's a lot of voting to do - the ballot paper for the Mayor gives you two choices. Then there are two separate forms for the London Assembly Member and the local constituency member, who is your council representative at the Assembly. This is not to be confused with your local councillor, who is also up for election as it's the UK's local election day too.
It's democracy in action. But before May 5th rolls around, let's take a look at the candidates...
Paul Golding is running with Britain First, who are inexplicably still a legally recognised political party. Their 'taking our country back' motto is as famous as their inarticulate, ill-informed ramblings about banning the word 'racism' while forbidding entry to Britain to anyone who isn't of British descent. They also like a good moan about their freedom of speech being under attack, at the same time exerting Chinese-style censorship on debate on their Facebook page.
They're one of three parties laying London's problems on immigration. The unrelenting BNP are also running, as well as the marginally more moderate UKIP, who want to introduce the Australian points system for entering the UK. Unless these parties have a masterplan for London to exit Britain at the same time as the EU, it's hard to fathom how they're going to bring about these measures.
At the other end of the spectrum is the Green Party, who at least have ideas with a chance of being put into practice, like rent controls and fair public transport fares. George Galloway's Respect party is also on the left. But though his skills as an orator are indisputable, the image of him on all fours pretending to lick milk from Rula Lenska's hands will never disappear. Politicians take note: this is not a good look, even if it's Angelina Jolie who is stroking your ears.
Millionnaire Zac Goldsmith for the Conservatives has made an impressive (read cringe-inducing) promotional video with a song crooned in various Asian languages to sway the ethnic vote. At the same time his party has focused on associating Labour candidate Sadiq Khan with extremists. Note number two: linking a rival to Islamic fundamentalists because he happens to be Muslim is not going to endear you to the Muslim community.
At the time of writing, Khan is the favourite to win according to the bookies, which would mean the first Labour Mayor since Boris Johnson's two terms. Goldsmith is second, followed by Galloway and Caroline Pidgeon of the Lib Dems, who should be commended on their persistence for remaining in the middle.
Then there are the fringe parties with admirable ideals that never get very far. The Women's Equality party is campaigning for equal pay for women and men, and Lee Harris of the Cannabis Is Safer Than Alcohol party wants drug reform.
Which are your party bangers and clangers? And if you dare tell us, who will you vote for? Leave us a comment on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook.
