In the months leading up to the 2020 election, some of the most iconic brands and business leaders took steps that were unprecedented for corporate America at the time.
Amid growing public pressure for businesses to take a pro-democracy stance, major companies in nearly every industry have launched a range of creative and sophisticated campaigns to increase voter registration and turnout, from offering employees paid time off to vote, to encouraging employees to volunteer as poll workers, to even opening their offices as early voting locations.
This passionate effort in support of voting rights was a powerful reminder that the right to vote is the most fundamental right in America and should not be a partisan issue. Indeed, in a time when every aspect of our culture seems politicized, we need credible, bipartisan voices standing up for the integrity of the voting process.
But four years later, with a crucial election just months away, unfortunately, too many companies are closed. Political tensions are at an all-time high, voting misinformation remains rampant, and voters are looking for trusted sources of information to help them navigate this volatile environment.
That’s why companies must use their bipartisanship to get off the sidelines. Once again, Americans are calling on corporate executives to take a firm and public stand on the side of democracy.
What does it mean for companies to take action to support democracy? We offer a simple solution: help expand the electorate by dedicating resources to registering employees and customers, giving employees paid time off to vote, and using their voice of trust to counter disinformation and advance the democratic process.
By joining bipartisan efforts to support political engagement, companies can protect their profits while also fulfilling their social responsibilities.
All the experts and studies are coming to one conclusion: a healthy democracy is necessary for business to succeed, and the stability of our democracy is at risk.
Economists say democracies have 20 to 25 percent higher GDP per capita than non-democracies. More than 96 percent of business leaders agree that democracy is essential to a healthy economy. And the reverse is true: 71 percent of CEOs are “very concerned” that geopolitical instability will negatively affect sales of their products and services. (Historically, business leaders have actually underestimated the negative impact of political extremism on business.)
In our experience, helping to cultivate an informed and empowered electorate is one of the most basic, yet most powerful, ways to protect the foundations of our democracy and economy. In doing so, business leaders can use their trusted voice to cut through the noise and help Americans, especially young Americans and voters of color, overcome new voting restrictions and ever-present voter suppression efforts.
The evidence also shows that stakeholders reward organizations that lead with their values: 81 percent of consumers are more likely to purchase products or services from companies that oppose restrictive voting laws, and 76 percent are more likely to work for a company that promotes democracy.
As voting rights advocates, our data shows that we repeatedly see increases in requests for information about nonpartisan voting and voter registration in the days and weeks following high-profile political events. In other words, when political situations are tense, voters actively seek out relevant, reliable sources of information about how to register and vote.
The best part is that the solution is simple: By offering paid time off to vote and actively promoting registration and voting information through company channels, management can do a great deal to protect our democracy and, ultimately, their bottom line.
Corporations and their leaders are the most trusted voices in America, and it’s time for them to stand up again this election season, on behalf of our democracy and their business interests.
Andrea Haley is CEO of Vote.org. Tyler J. Hagenbook is a social impact consultant and voting rights attorney.
