NFIB

With the Democratic and Republican national conventions over and the campaigns of both parties in full swing, the eyes of the nation are on the upcoming election. It's no secret that the outcome will affect the future of your business: The lawmakers elected this fall will have a profound impact on whether legislation is passed that will help or hurt the small business agenda, so it is crucial that the entire small business community cast a vote.

As a small business owner, you have unique insight into critical issues that affect not only your business, but your family and employees as well. The better your business does, the better they will do. Drawing on your experience as part of the nation's No. 1 job creator, you can help educate others in your community, family and workforce about the importance of the small business vote.

Register to vote
The first step is to make sure everyone you know is registered to vote. If they are not sure where to register or how to get to their polling place, visit NFIB.com's voter information page for help. There is still plenty of time to register before the election, but encourage your employees, family members and friends to register to vote sooner rather than later.

Educate others
If you're not sure how to start talking to others about the importance of the small business vote, NFIB can help. Visit NFIB's Politics at Work section for useful aids such as:

• "How to Talk…" guides: Download easy-to-print guides to help you discuss critical small business issues including healthcare, legal reform, tax relief and regulatory reform.
• Educating Your Employees brochure (104 KB, PDF): This short guide addresses the often-difficult situation of discussing issues and elections with employees, and offers examples of how to communicate this important information.
• Payroll stuffers: Download inserts to help educate employees on how healthcare, regulatory, tax and legal policies affect them.

Share your experiences
Simply sitting down and talking candidly to friends and family about hardships you have faced because of the lack of healthcare options, the slow response from Congress to the energy crisis, or the time and money you've had to spend in the effort to remain compliant with onerous federal regulations. Let them know how important it is that the nation elect lawmakers—and a president—who will work to lift the burden that is unfairly placed on small businesses.

Let NFIB help
NFIB.com offers several resources to help you decide which lawmakers are looking out for your business' best interests. Visit NFIB's Election Guide and Election Priories sections for in-depth information about specific races, and check out How Congress Voted to see a report of which lawmakers voted for or against small business. NFIB members also have exclusive access to the NFIB SAFE Trust list of endorsed candidates.