Some are calling the Nov. 6 presidential election the most important in a generation.

With the U.S. debt reaching $16 trillion, joblessness above 8 percent, tough decisions to be made on entitlement programs, and terrorism still a major concern across the world, who we elect to be our next president and congressional representatives will shape American policy at least for the next few years.

But if you aren’t registered to vote, you’ll have no say in the matter. McHenry County residents have until Oct. 9 to get registered.