In one week, the nation will flock to local voting centers and cast their vote for the country’s next President, Senate and Congress members. The status of our economy is one of the hottest issues in this election as the choice we all represent in one week might have a large impact on our economical environment for as much as the next decade.

In light of the recent economic hardships, we have the opportunity, as a nation, to strengthen our economy and rise out of the current valley in which we reside. Will this be the last recession? Certainly not. Americans at or around the age of sixty have experienced some ten recessions during the course of their lives thus far, which is a recession every six years.

However, our economic tribulations that caused a good deal of stress this month (and placed the economy at the top list of political hot topics) can act as a springboard for economic growth and strength. By incorporating new strategies and fail-safes, we can attempt to be sure that the sort of economic crisis we currently endure does not repeat.

Notice how our current economic environment spurred the understanding that modifications to our lending systems are needed not only to fix the current situations resulting in not only numerous foreclosures and also general economic decline (the foreclosures are really just symptoms of the deeper issue that is poor lending practices), but to prevent these events from transpiring again in the future, near or distant.

Our decisions, as voters, will affect our economy. Understanding the issues facing economic growth and reestablishment is crucial in making the right decision, but even before an in –depth study, we need to make sure we’re registered to vote. These days, registering to vote is easier than ever. You can register online. Different states have different websites, but simply searching “register to vote” will reveal a number of weblinks where you can register.

Make sure you know where you have to go to vote. If you only have a certain amount of time allotted on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 to vote, you don’t want to spend that time driving to the wrong location, then driving home and looking up where you’re supposed to be, only to find out you ran out of time. Instead, look it up ahead of time. You can do this simply by searching, “where do I vote.”

And what if you don’t have enough time? If you’re registered to vote, then voting is your constitutional right and no one has the right to stop you from casting your ballot. If you feel strapped for time, talk with your employer about the importance of voting and make sure you have the time you need to stop by your district’s voting center.

Know the issues and the stance of each candidate. An uneducated vote is worse than not voting at all—voting for the next President isn’t like standardized tests where it’s better to take even a wild guess than to leave the question blank. Every vote does count, and every vote deserves a informed decision behind it.

Over the next week, keep checking back for information about voting in the 2008 election. Remember—voting is your right. Your vote will affect the economy, which affects your business.