“It’s more of just a struggle for survival for us like most other businesses in downtown East Lansing,” Walsh said. “We have to be optimistic and believe in change, but it will take time for policies to reach us.”

Michigan’s slumping economy has put more focus on the issues confronting small businesses this election, Walsh said.

Unlike previous election seasons, businesses and consumers seem to be waiting for stability before they start to increase purchasing, said Mike Wylie, assistant manager at Student Book Store, 421 E. Grand River Ave.

“In my opinion, there’s a sense that once the election’s over, consumers and Wall Street will have some feeling of certainty and go back to purchasing again,” Wylie said.

Whatever the election produces in regard to health care will likely take more than a few months to reach businesses and the nation’s credit situation shouldn’t be overlooked this election, Wylie said.

“One of the biggest things that’s happened is the decline of the credit market, which has had bigger effects in some cases than the stock market’s decline,” he said.

Health care costs are high enough that they approximately equal the cost of rent at Sundance Jewelry, 201 E. Grand River Ave., which adds importance to this year’s election, owner Bill Yonkus said.

“It’s getting harder and harder to work with,” Yonkus said. “After they charge a lot, they start to limit what you can pay for, and that reduces the value of what you can purchase.”

After students and residents vote on the issues, they can relax at one of a few local businesses that are offering Election Day specials.

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, 2129 Lake Lansing Road, in Lansing, will be offering free star-shaped doughnuts throughout the day, said Lori Ketchum, shift manager for the store. Starbucks, 401 E. Grand River Ave., will be giving out a free tall coffee for customers who say they voted.