I WAS invited to the D-day celebrations at the Royal British Legion, Chingford Branch, where there were well over 100 people who attended to celebrate and commiserate the many men and women who gave their lives for the freedom we have today.

So I was saddened to read on June 4, when people had the right to vote, only 32 per cent of the people in Waltham Forest bothered to do so.

There were 19 candidates, so please do not tell me that those who chose not to vote could not have picked one.

Also, please do not tell me that you have a right not to vote. Tell that to the men and women who laid down their lives for this country.

Across the world today there are many people that would like to vote in a free and democratic society but haven’t got that opportunity.

I only hope the next time you have the right to vote – whatever your beliefs – use your vote, because that is your democratic right.

Cllr Bob Wheatley,

William Morris ward.