Ohio Businesses from across sectors and sizes recognize that a strong economy depends on a strong democracy. What does democracy and voting rights have to do with business?
A strong democracy, where all eligible voters have access to the ballot box and all votes are counted fairly, empowers the public to vote out corruption and political favoritism. A strong democracy levels the playing field so that the voices of small business and everyday citizens can be heard.
Political stability is good for business. The rule of law and the ability of citizens to demand redress of their grievances via the electoral process, creates this stability. Protecting the integrity of our elections and rebuilding trust in democratic institutions creates a positive environment for all businesses to thrive.
Finally, business leaders can make clear their support for non-partisan, pro-democracy legislation by voicing support for three key measures at the federal level that will protect the will of the people.
Congress must pass three pieces of legislation either before this November’s election or in 2023. These bills form a firm and stable support for our democracy.
The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. This bill would modernize and revitalize the Voting Rights Act of 1965, strengthening legal protections against discriminatory voting policies and practices, guaranteeing equal access to the ballot.
The Freedom to Vote Act. The Freedom to Vote Act improves access to the ballot for Americans, advances commonsense election integrity reforms, and protects our democracy from emerging threats. Importantly, this proposal reflects feedback from state and local election officials to ensure that the people responsible for implementing these reforms are able to do so effectively. This bill also elevates the voices of American voters by ending partisan gerrymandering and rooting out the undue influence of special interest money in our politics.
Electoral Count Reform Act of 2022. This 1887 law governing Congressional procedures for how state electoral votes for president and vice president are cast and counted should be reformed to update the vague and outdated language. The Act needs to be reformed by Congress to confront electoral subversion at both the state and federal levels by helping ensure that partisan politicians cannot substitute their own preferences for the judgment of the American people in presidential elections.
Business leaders can support democracy by:
- giving employees time off to vote or work the polls on November 8th, 2022. (Resources)
- engaging with your business organizations and peers to ensure that PAC contributions only go to recipients who demonstrate commitment to the democratic process
- oppose measures that would make it harder for any eligible voter to cast their ballot
- asking your representatives if they support voting rights legislation.
Where do your representatives stand on democracy? Ask the question.
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