Next Tuesday, Americans across the country will have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, and we encourage everyone to do so.

But should we support candidates who want us to produce more domestic oil and natural gas, or candidates who oppose it? Should we vote for politicians who want to increase taxes on oil companies? Energy questions like these may not be on the ballot, but our elected officials make important energy decisions that affect our lives and our nation's future.

Americans understand the important consequences of these questions:

• A September, Rasmussen poll found that 63 percent of voters continue to support both offshore and deepwater drilling.
• A Harris Interactive survey from that same month showed that more than 60 percent opposed increasing oil and natural gas industry taxes.

Our industry contributes more than $1 trillion to the U.S. economy and provides most of the energy that heats our homes, fuels factories and offices, and gets people to home and work. Numerous studies show that policy decisions seeking to burden oil companies with punitive taxes and overly restrictive rules do nothing to boost the economy or enhance energy security. Instead, they cost jobs, damage the economy and compromise our national security.

Before you cast your vote, please read through API's Voter Guide. Here, you can see where the candidates stand on getting America's workers back on the job of developing the energy resources we need for a stronger, more secure and more prosperous future.

It's up to us to elect leaders who will help shape an energy policy that builds that future.