In my increasingly desperate attempt to avoid Brexit Britain I've spent the last month in the US. My time there coincided with their local and state elections.

What is fascinating about democracy in the US is the range of positions up for election. They range from local councils (often with intriguing titles such as minutemen), school boards, police chiefs, mayors of major cities and state governors. It's an excellent display of local politics and involvement (although I draw the line at the idea of electing judges).