ON June 10 it's the elections for the European Parliament and a new voting system will be in place for the first time.

For the past 20 years, we in the UK have had large Euro constituencies with MEPs representing them. For instance, I represent the whole of St Helens borough, the whole of Knowsley borough, most of Wigan borough and one part of Liverpool city. This makes up Merseyside East and Wigan Euro Constituency with a voting population of about 520,000 people.

As from the next Euro elections these constituencies will disappear and there will be one North West Regional consituency from Carlisle to Crewe with 10 MEPs representing the whole area.

The North West will be one of nine English regions along with Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland will have its own system.

Each political party has submitted a list of names and when you go to the polling booth you will vote for the party of your choice. Under this proportional system, the votes will be divided up and those with more votes end up with more MEPs.

It's a matter of 'points mean prizes' and it's a system where every vote counts.

The European Parliament is mighty important in taking decisions which effect you, therefore, it's important to vote on June 10. Don't be apathetic about voting. Too many people have died to ensure we can live in a democracy, don't take it for granted.

Those who don't vote are invariably the ones who complain most about the council, about Europe and about politicians in general.

You get the politicians you deserve. Make sure you vote on June 10, it's your future you're voting for.

Terry Wynn, MEP.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.