11 fascinating photos that show when elections in Bolton used to be interesting

No, me neither - but some of you will.

Elections now are very much stage managed, spin-heavy, PR-dominated snorefests in which politicians keep trotting out the same cliches and the same empty promises.

We've all become a bit desensitised to it and, in 2001, voter turnout in the UK was at its lowest point since World War II.

It's gone up slightly since then, but the reality is that a lot of people simply won't bother to vote on May 7 this year, even though their forefathers died to earn them the right.

Maybe it's because our lives have become too easy, or maybe it's because we're frustrated by the system - or maybe it's just because elections now are boring.

It wasn't always this way.

Back in't olden days, people in Bolton used to pack into cinemas to watch the results, candidates used to pound the streets meeting people and huge billboards were everywhere asking for your vote.

And in one case, one party used a donkey in their campaign. You just don't see that kind of thing any more.

Check out these pictures:

This undated election photo shows canvassing at Bolton Market in Ashburner Street. 

MORE:

Have you been to Bolton Market recently? It doesn't look like this any more.

This is Kent Street, Farnworth, where residents decorated the street with party slogans, banners and bunting in February 1950. These days you'll probably just see a couple of window posters.

The Liberals were keen to get their message across in Bolton in June 1945. Nick Clegg, take note.

Arthur Holt, the candidate for Bolton West, canvassing on a tractor in October 1964. Bolton West is a key seat this year, with only 92 votes between Labour and the Tories at the last election. Julie Hilling and Chris Green take note - you need to drive round the streets in a tractor.

This chap is Winston Crumblehulme, the Conservative candidate in East Ward, in May 1951. He has a wagonette load of young supporters in the vehicle, which was said to be 100 years old. He's smartly dressed in a trenchcoat and hat. He's called Crumblehulme. Why would you not vote for him?

Mr Philip Bell and supporters decorating their car with the Conservative colours before touring East Division in October 1951. You'll have to take our word for it about the colours.

In 1950, even the dogs wanted you to vote. This is Racq, an 18-month-old golden labrador belonging to Alderman Young. In charge of Racq is Miss Sheila Thornton on February 18, 1950. That would make Racq 66 years old now. We suspect she is no longer with us.

If you did this now, someone would report it to social services. This is Joyce Disley, Liberal, canvassing in Bolton on May 5, 1950.

This is amazing - the Grand Theatre in Bolton, packed to the rafters in February 1950, in a screening organised by The Bolton Evening News. This year you'll have to make do with following the excellent, informative and hilarious live blog on our website.

Also during the general election in February 1950, these are the people of Bolton watching results on screen in the Odeon cinema. Our live blog will be much more entertaining than this. Take our word for it.

And finally - dirty tricks at election time in Bolton, July 1945. Everyone here is voting Labour, except the donkey, which has a banner saying: "I vote Tory".*

*In 1945 donkeys were not legally able to vote. This is still the case now. Don't forget to follow our live blog on election night, May 7.