Tomorrow is a hugely important day for the city and district of Bradford.

Not only do we as voters have the chance to influence the make-up of the Council with elections in 30 wards, but we will also decide whether Bradford will be among the cities to vote for an elected mayor later in the year.

Today this paper has outlined the cases for and against such a post, and we have also listed all the candidates standing .

Now, it is down to you to make the decision and cast your vote.

Turnout is generally low at local elections, and anecdotal evidence suggests tomorrow’s poll will be no different.

But there is no doubt that locally we have seen the campaign enlivened by the election of George Galloway as MP for Bradford West and the impact his party Respect has had on the established political groups.

It’s also fair to say that the campaign has sometimes seen almost all of the parties descend to pettiness and silliness, with unseemly spats and rows. It reflects badly on the state of local politics, and it also obscures the real issues.

But when all is said and done, the people who are elected are going to be shaping the future of this city, making crucial decisions about services that affect people’s lives, about opportunities that will either move the city forward or allow it to stagnate.

Vote for the candidate you feel will best serve Bradford, and vote in the referendum about a city mayor.

But most importantly of all, vote.

If you don’t, then you really can’t complain if things don’t go the way you want.