In a cynical age it is sometimes easy to forget how democratic elections can quicken the pulse, warm the heart and even reach the depths of the soul. Two examples of this power have gripped the world either side of the New Year. No-one who witnessed on television the Orange Revolution in Kiev back in December could fail to admire the commitment of the tens of thousands of Ukrainian citizens who protested night after night in the bitter cold.

Equally in January the determination of ordinary Iraqis to vote despite the ever present threat of suicide bombers was inspiring to both those who supported military intervention, and those like me who did not. These events will be symbols of the thirst of humanity for freedom in future decades, along with the Prague Spring, the falling of the Berlin Wall and the Tiananmen Square protests in China.

There can be no half measures when it comes to democracy. A couple of decades ago it always struck me that the left was sometimes reluctant to speak out in support of democratic forces in the Soviet Union whilst the right was equally silent when it came to criticising pro-western dictatorships. When it comes to struggles for the right to vote it seems to me there is only one side on which to be.

So what can we do in our rather more prosaic circumstances to do our bit for democracy? The most basic answer is of course to vote. Universal suffrage in our nation for all men and women is still less that a century old but it is about to become that bit easier at the University of York. For the first time ever there will be a ballot box on campus at the General Election for student voters. I am told that the likely venue is Wentworth College.

All students who live on the campus are automatically registered to vote. If you live off campus you can check whether you have been registered to vote by contacting Electoral Registration at the City of York Council on 01904 551 050.

In addition to the annual autumn canvass the electoral register is now updated on a monthly basis. Students have a right to vote either at home or at University. Details of how to register are available on the Electoral Commission website - www.aboutmyvote.co.uk. The most likely election date is Thursday 5 May 2005, which is during the summer term.

If you want to vote at home you will need to get a postal vote, although few electoral contests are likely to be as close at that in Selby constituency, which includes the University and most of Fulford and Heslington.

This is traditionally a Labour-Tory marginal which is likely to attract considerable media attention. However the student population votes though, it will be to the credit of the University if the ballot box on campus is bulging come the close of poll at 10pm on election day.

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