The General Election on May 7 is looking likely to be one of the most interesting and unpredictable for many years.

Recent polls put Labour and the Conservatives neck and neck. Will either of the two biggest parties be able to secure an overall majority?

Will the Liberal Democrat vote hold up and will the party have to decide whether to support the Tories or Labour in another coalition Government? How will the rise of the Scottish National Party effect Labour and the Tories in Scotland and what impact will Nigel Farage’s UKIP have on the overall result and balance of power?

Voters in Westmorland and Lonsdale also have choices to make. Will they elect Tim Farron for a third term or will Dr Ann Myatt turn the constituency blue again? How well will John Bateson, for Labour, Chris Loynes (Green Party) and Jonathan Stanley (UKIP) do at the polls?

Democracy is all about the power given to every individual aged 18 and above to have their say in how Britain should be run. Everyone has the ability to influence policies through the ballot box.

The Westmorland Gazette is hosting a Question Time-style pre-election debate at Kendal College on Thursday, April 16. All five candidates in the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency have agreed to attend and answer questions put by the audience.

This is a real opportunity to hear what the candidates are vowing to do for this area and for you and your family if elected on May 7.

If you would like to attend this ticket-only event please email vicky.goodall@kendal.newsquest.co.uk. And if you have a burning question about local issues then email andrew.thomas@kendal.newsquest.co.uk.

Meanwhile the Gazette is running articles in the run-up to the election that focus on the issues affecting this community and asking the candidates to give us their views.

What happens on May 7 really matters - and that is why we are urging local people to get involved and to ensure they vote on the big day.