DEAR EDITOR - I would like to let your readers know about a new initiative The Electoral Commission has launched to promote public understanding of how our electoral systems work.

Our New Initiatives Fund, set at £250k for this year, will help local organisations to run projects which encourage people within their communities to become more involved with democratic processes and elections.

The Commission would welcome approaches from any local, or national, organisations who wish to work on such projects. The Commission is particularly keen to receive applications from community-based groups working with local people.

If anyone in your area would like more information, please visit our website at www.electoralcommission.org.uk, where you can download an application form and an information leaflet. Alternatively, ring Tony Bellringer on 020 7271 0592, email nif@electoralcommission.org.uk, or write to Liaison Team, The Electoral Commission, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London SW1P 2HW.

Sam Younger,

Chairman,

The Electoral

Commission.