(NAPSA)—Asthe presidential election approaches, small- and micro-business owners have had an increasingly large impact on the national debate. Health care policy, taxes and retirement security—the most important concerns to micro-busi- ness owners with fewer than 10 employees—haverisen to top-tier issues in the presidential contest, according to the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE). Indeed, experts say that with more than 20 million self-em- ployed Americans across the nation, candidates are acutely aware of the issues facing this group. Making Your Voice Heard Pundits say the key for microbusinesses looking to effect policy change is to do a little homework. Find out as much as possible about officials running for office. Many business owners argue that with such critical economic and social issues at stake, the duty to vote is as important today as it’s ever been. As national elections draw closer, the NASE offers these additional tips: e Sign Up—State and county boards of elections are great sources for finding out the requirements and deadlines to vote. Public libraries and motor vehicle departments also tend to keep a steady supply of voter forms on hand. Avoid waiting until the last minute to register to vote, since many have helped shape candidates’ presidential platforms. states require that paperwork be submitted weeks in advance. Read Up—The Internet has become an easy way to find political information. A candidates’ own Website, as well as major news outlets, will often offer ways each candidate differentiates himself or herself from others. To find out where presidential candidates stand on a variety of small-business issues, visit the NASE’s “Election Watch 2008” Web site at http://advocacy.NASE.org. e Speak Up—Talk to other business owners about the issues that affect your business each day, and which candidates fulfill those needs or why they do not. Go to political rallies or debates in the area to hear the concernsof others. For more information and to learn about NASE’s small-business legislative priorities, visit http://advocacy.NASE.org.
