An Open Letter from Business to Candidates & Election Officials

The United States has thrived as a stable, constitutional, democratic republic for the better part of nearly 250 years. This stability is one of the primary reasons that American businesses have been so successful. We believe that, at this turbulent moment in our history, the business community has a critical role to play in protecting America’s democratic institutions and preserving stability in this country.

The strength of our democratic institutions depends on the integrity and fairness of our elections — this is not a partisan issue. In a free and fair election, everyone eligible to cast a ballot can, all ballots are counted in accordance with the law, and the American people, through their votes, determine the outcome.

Today we are urging every candidate, political party leader, and election official nationwide to uphold our country’s democratic norms, electoral processes, and rule of law by acting in accordance with the following principles:

• Elections must be conducted according to the rule of law without partisan bias, following a rigorous system of checks and balances to ensure fairness and accuracy.
• Eligible voters must be able to exercise their right to participate in a transparent, safe, and secure electoral process without undue barriers.
• The election process must be peaceful and free from intimidation or threats of violence against election workers, political opponents, and voters.
• Voting information and election results must be based on reliable, authoritative sources, with the recognition that it’s more important for election results to be accurate than fast.
• Claims of election irregularities must be submitted in good faith for judgment by the judicial system, and all participants must accept the outcomes of adjudication.

Our companies come from diverse industries and locations, and our employees hold a wide variety of political viewpoints. Across our differences, we all agree that America’s traditions of orderly elections and peaceful transfers of power are essential to our country’s future.

Regardless of the results on election night (and the days that follow as the counting of votes proceeds), we ask every candidate, election official, and public servant to put our country first by committing to act according to these principles and helping to restore confidence in our elections.

For learn more about Business for America and get involved, visit bfa.us.