SO, the starting pistol has been fired ahead of the 2010 General Election - but how are you going to vote?

If you are undecided, then maybe the Welwyn Hatfield Times can help you decide.

In partnership with the University of Hertfordshire, we will be hosting a public election meeting at the Forum in College Lane, Hatfield, on Monday, April 26.

The event, which will follow the format of BBC One show Question Time, will give YOU the chance to quiz five of the candidates who are vying to become your MP.

Tory MP Grant Shapps, Labour candidate Mike Hobday, Lib Dem hopeful Paul Zukowskyj, Green nominee Jill Weston and UKIP representative David Platt will all be on hand to answer your questions on a range of local and national issues.

The role of Question Time host David Dimbleby will be played by WHT editor Terry Mitchinson, who said: “This event will give residents of Welwyn Hatfield the chance to learn more about the candidates who want to represent them in Parliament.

“It is an important democratic exercise and I hope as many of our readers as possible will participate.”

The meeting at the Forum will have a capacity of 200, although this can be increased if demand is sufficient.

Dean of students David Ball said: “With the election looming, the university is pleased to be able to host a political debate between candidates in the local constituency.

“We are also encouraging students and staff as well as the local community to come along, so we look forward to an evening of stimulating discussion.”

Places in the audience, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis, are free but must be booked in advance.

To book, call the university’s corporate events team on 01707 286525 or email events@herts.ac.uk

The meeting will start at 6.30pm and is expected to finish at 8pm, following which the bar will be opened for drinks.

Attendees are asked to arrive from 6pm, when free car parking will be available.

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The Welwyn Hatfield Times wants readers to submit questions for the panel. These questions can be on either local or national issues.

To submit your question, call Chris Richards on 01707 384181 or email chris.richards@whtimes.co.uk