In the third instalment in the series, six members of the panel give their verdict on the final report of the commission on the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US.

Rhonda Buie: San Diego, California "Homeland security is not a buzz phrase to win votes" Jim Hill: Sudbury, Mass. "Kerry has failed to secure this country" Neil Sherman: Germantown, Tenn. "Bush has a better handle on security than Kerry"

Jorge Caspary: Tallahassee, Florida "Adequate steps have been taken to protect us" Nancy Pew: Seattle, Washington "We should not have our freedoms limited" Corey Harrison: Chicago, Illinois "Bush's re-election chances rely heavily on fear"

We asked our panelists: Do the findings of the 9/11 commission affect your voting intention? Do you feel more or less safe now?

Our panel: Where they live Enlarge Map

Is homeland security an important issue for you in the election? If so, does Kerry or Bush's policy appeal to you?

Between now and November, the panel will be giving us their personal opinions about key events and themes in the race.

We also want to hear what you think, so send us your comments using the form after each person's views.

The reader's panel has been selected from as wide a cross-section of people as possible and may not be representative of wider US public opinion.