What's happening?

The air is filled with excitement. First-time voters are walking to the polls. People sit watching their TVs late into the night to hear the results.

Or not. Local electionsWhen a vote is held to decide who should represent a group of people. are taking place today in 230 of England's 317 councils. But in most local elections, the number of people who actually vote is very low.

That does not mean local elections are not important. Local councils spend huge amounts of money, and run things such as libraries, transport and housing.

The elections are a big test for Britain's leader, Rishi Sunak. It is the first big election since he took over as prime ministerA prime minister is the head of government in a country with a parliamentary system.  last year.

But experts think the turnout could be very low. Many may not even know about the local elections - or who they can vote for. Others may be distracted by the coronationThe ceremony where a King or Queen is crowned..

Find out more

It is also the first time that people in Britain will need identification (ID) to vote, which some fear could stop some from voting.

Now, some wonder if Britain should make voting compulsoryNot optional. . It is already compulsory in some countries, like Belgium and Australia.

If this happened, many more people would vote and get involved in politics. But critics say it would do nothing to make people care about politics more. Instead, people might tick a name at random.

Yes! If more people voted, we would have a better idea of what the people want. It is an easy way to make sure turnout rises.

No! People should have the choice not to vote. And the big problem is really that people know too little about politics. Forcing them to vote will not change that.