Make it Your Business to Vote
It’s a whole different world since our last presidential election. There’s not enough room on this page to make that list. One thing worth mentioning is the role workplaces are playing in getting out the vote. It’s not just about our fundamental right and responsibility to vote as American citizens. It’s about being active participants in our democracy and more than that, it’s about inclusion and equity.
While it’s every citizen’s responsibility and duty to vote, voting doesn’t come easy for everyone. This year revealed, again, deep inequities in our communities with access to easy voting being one of them. From childcare to transportation to confusion with voting by mail to the long lines even in early voting, plenty of barriers exist for many. Businesses and organizations who rely on our democracy working well to succeed, also have a responsibility. We have a responsibility to ensure that everyone we employ has an equal opportunity to exercise their right to vote and to participate fully in our collective process of free and fair elections.
Businesses and organizations are stepping up to declare no meeting days on election day, giving staff time off or the whole day off to go and vote or volunteer at the polls. Knowing the lines could be very long this year, organizations are providing childcare and transportation where needed and they’re making it easy to register to vote onsite.
Our country may be deeply divided in many ways. One thing that unites all of us is that every four years, we have the opportunity to choose our leader, to have a voice in the direction and future of our country, a country built on believing in the wisdom of the people. It takes all the people to show up for the real wisdom to shine through and shape the right future for all of us. Workplaces can play a critical role in helping all the people to show up and vote, and it benefits all of us to do so. Workplaces who invest in helping employees vote see big benefits in engagement, loyalty and retention. It’s not about supporting any one candidate, it’s about holding up the rights and values that we share as Americans. Now, if you haven’t already, grab your mask and your co-workers and go vote!