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Last Updated: Friday, 15 April, 2005, 12:18 GMT 13:18 UK
Dear Tony

By Mark Simpson
BBC News

POSTED: Friday 15 April, 1315BST

An early contender for the best/worst gimmick of the campaign comes in the form of a new glossy Labour magazine with a problem page.

Never mind Dear Deirdre or Marjorie Proops, there's now a Vote Doctor who answers electoral problems.

In the free six-page mag, aimed at busy mums, phantom letters are printed.

Here's an example: "Everything is fine with me, I don't think I'll bother to vote. Aren't Labour going to win anyway?"

The Vote doctor responds: "Bad decision. Everyone who doesn't vote helps the Tories to win."

There is, however, a problem.

It doesn't say what to do if, on Polling Day, your husband announces he's having an affair, your daughter gets her nose pierced and you find out you're allergic to ballot papers.

Got very confused by this story until I realised that it was 'vote Doctor who', rather than 'vote Doctor Who', which sounded much more interesting.
Peter Organ, London, UK

Surely any encouragement to get people to vote should be seen as a positive action, the apathy of voters in this country is appalling. This is not about who you vote for, but actually voting. There is enough apathy in this country as it is towards politics without having the media belittle the process.
Elle Mitchell, Brighton

Does the Vote Doctor know what to do in the case of electoral dysfunction? Or what if your pregnant Tory wife goes into Labour on polling day?
Helen, Cambridge, UK

Vote anyway, and don't worry too much about the nose ornament. She'll be thankful you didn't notice the tongue bolt and tattoos.
Candace, New Jersey, US

Erm... by not voting surely that means you aren't giving any side the advantage. Still they can always rig your vote by postal means on your behalf.
Paul Scargill, London, UK

"Dear Voter, If, on Polling Day, your husband announces he's having an affair, it probably means you're the wife of a candidate"
Paul Gordon, Belfast

Curious that the Labour party don't seem to feel an overwhelming need to target 'busy dads'...
Mary Jane Menzies, Newcastle

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