The Unfinished Business of Voting Rights
Fifty-five years ago today, Black Americans’ long struggle for civil rights culminated in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a landmark law written to prevent racial discrimination at the ballot box. Over the decades, however, those protections have been weakened. Today, in light of the rising Black Lives Matter movement and the recent death of civil rights icon John Lewis, members of Congress are looking to restore historic voting protections with a new Voting Rights Advancement Act.
As a principle, equal access to voting is critical to our democracy and something that everyone has a vested interest in upholding — including the business community. After all, preserving everyone’s right to vote ensures that our elections remain fair, secure, and reliable, which will ultimately help to restore trust in our nation’s civic institutions. This kind of social stability is essential to a healthy business climate and robust economy.
The challenges facing our country in 2020 demonstrate that the business community cannot stay silent in the social or political arena. Consumers want to know where companies stand on the issues that affect us most, and the right to vote is just one such national issue that the public greatly values. Protecting every eligible voter’s right to cast their ballot is also a relatively uncontroversial way for businesses to demonstrate their support for their employees, customers, and communities having a voice in their future. Simply put, the benefits of reinforcing equal voting rights far outweigh the costs.
Business involvement in civil rights is not unprecedented.
During the Montgomery bus boycott, small Black-owned businesses were key providers of alternative transportation methods and other support. Without the cooperation of taxi companies and community carpools, the boycott would not have succeeded. At the same time, other businesses resisted efforts to integrate for years, with very real consequences for both consumers and the businesses themselves. In both cases, we see that businesses play a pivotal role in the advancement (or hindrance) of societal progress. As our country navigates yet another landmark moment, businesses have a choice which side of history they wish to end up on.
Business Actions for Voting Rights
1. Make a commitment. Companies can start by including strengthening democracy and protecting voting rights among their social impact goals. This commitment provides a framework for company leadership to deepen their engagement and take further steps.
2. Sign up. There are a variety of ways businesses can take action to help protect voting rights. Businesses can join Business for America’s working group on racial equity and voting. By collaborating with companies that share the same democratic ideals, businesses can expand their impact. (Contact us to learn more.)
3. Take a stand. Businesses can put their weight behind local, state, and federal legislation that will ensure eligible voters have safe, secure, trouble-free access to the polls. Whether it’s the new Voting Rights Advancement Act, fair districting laws, modern elections, or secure election equipment, there are many opportunities for businesses to weigh in. (Contact us to learn more.)
Companies that care about the challenges facing our country — whether racial equity, public health, economic distress, or other issues — must also do their part to ensure that this year’s election runs as smoothly as possible despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Every voter must have equal access to cast their ballots safely and securely. In this spirit, Business for America has launched Operation Vote Safe to mobilize companies to contribute personnel, facilities, supplies, and other resources to state and local election officials that need assistance. You can read more and sign up at bfa.us/operation-vote-safe.
As we reflect on the legacy of Congressman John Lewis and the courage of everyone else who fought for these rights on the anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, let’s take inspiration from their leadership and ensure that businesses are a force for good in our democracy. Let’s commit to finishing the unfinished business of delivering equal voting rights to every American citizen.
