Choosing a future: Why science matters This week's US election special begins with a look at what's at stake in this campaign and beyond for science. We ask how the candidates have developed their stances on science over time, who is advising them, and where they might take the country [page 442]. The parties' stances on science and technology matters are summarized [page 446], and we ponder the prospects of key science agencies such as NASA, EPA and NIH, under a McCain or Obama administration [page 451]. David Goldston adds a personal viewpoint from Washington D.C. [Party of One p. 453] See also the introductory editorial [page 431], advice to a potential president on what books to read [Books & Arts p. 464] and the expanded on-line elections special on www.nature.com/uselection. Listen also to the series of election podcasts, on www.nature.com/nature/podcast. Images: Xinhua News Agency/eyevine & Sipa Press/Rex Features