Before the vote this will decide the issue (7)
I believe the answer is:
casting
This clue might be a double definition.
'before the vote this will decide' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.
'issue' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for casting that I've seen before include "shell across back of fort" , "Shaping in mould; assigning actors to" , "-- Vote; -- couch" , "Shaping metal in mould" , "Selecting players" .)