Like it or hate it, though, the process matters – particularly for anyone employed in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. Why? Because there are subtle, but important, differences between the parties' stated or implied approaches to industry, and the scale and nature of support likely to be offered.
Sadly, however, this is not the stuff of headlines – which are almost exclusively about debt reduction, the economy, employment, the National Health Service, immigration and Trident. So, if you value your job and the UK's position in the world as an industrial powerhouse, you need to dig deeper.
You might take your cue from delegates at the recent National Manufacturing Conference, in London, for whom top priorities included reducing the cost of doing business, improving the UK's infrastructure and increasing support for small businesses (page 7).
As EEF chief exec Terry Scuoler put it: "This is not the time to falter. A new government must lay the right policy groundwork to ensure the manufacturing renaissance remains on track and keeps Britain on the road to economic success."
Just so. But there's more to it. It may sound extreme, but Britain is increasingly seen as on the cusp of a technology-driven fourth industrial revolution. Indeed, according to a study commissioned by EEF and sponsored by technology giants Infor and IBM, most industrialists now believe 'Industry 4.0' could be a reality by 2025, with the UK set to become a high-value engineering hub for Europe.
However, this country's ability to remain a front runner in what will inevitably be a global race, hinges on decisions made now and over the next decade by consecutive governments. The obvious risk is that, without appropriate political support, the UK might yet miss out.
The stakes could hardly be higher. Recent estimates by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) and RAE (Royal Academy of Engineering) suggest that engineering is worth 20% of UK gva (gross value added) and fully half of its export value.
RAE president professor Dame Ann Dowling's warning is stark: the private sector cannot go it alone. Increased public investment in engineering research, and technology generally, is essential if we are to keep up with our global competitors.
The messages are consistent and clear. It's time to read between those manifesto lines and put your cross against the party you believe has the understanding and credibility to deliver.