Businesses Should Support Voting Rights and Democracy. Here’s Why (and How).

A healthy democracy is part of the infrastructure businesses depend on to thrive, and they should take a meaningful role in supporting it. Free, fair and accessible elections support strong communities and the stability companies need to grow and compete. 

Elections also shape decisions that directly affect businesses of all sizes — from education and workforce development to infrastructure, public safety and economic policy. The leaders voters choose influence the conditions in which employees live, communities function and businesses operate. 

That makes election integrity both a business issue and civic issue. A 2026 report from the Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board found that secure, credible elections directly support business confidence and economic stability. 

Businesses have a stake in a healthy democracy and a meaningful role in supporting it. 

Voting rights and a healthy democracy are business issues 

Supporting voting rights and democracy is nonpartisan. It does not require endorsing candidates, parties or political positions. Businesses can focus on the democratic process by helping employees participate, sharing trusted election information and supporting safe, secure and accessible elections. 

Businesses also have influence. A 2025 Bentley-Gallup Business in Society survey found that 65% of Americans view businesses as a positive force in people’s lives. Companies and their leaders can use that influence to encourage civic participation and connect employees with trusted election information. 

That role is especially important during this year’s midterm elections. 

Navigating a more complex election environment in 2026 

Election rules and processes continue to evolve across the country and from state to state. Changes related to voter registration, voter identification requirements, absentee and mail-in voting, election administration and voter list maintenance are creating confusion for voters about when and how to cast their ballot.   

Election officials are preparing for cybersecurity risks and misinformation and proactively working to provide accurate information about voting processes and election results. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has expanded resources in 2026 to help election officials strengthen security and improve voter education. 

All of this adds up to an especially challenging election environment for voters to navigate. According to a recent Gallup report, nearly three-quarters of Americans (73%) have at least a fair amount of concern about multiple aspects of the election process. Employers can help by giving employees reliable information and nonpartisan resources that make it easier to more confidently participate in elections. 

Make it easier for employees to vote 

Time remains a significant barrier to voting. U.S. Census Bureau data shows that 26.5% of registered nonvoters in the 2022 midterm elections, nearly 9.9 million people, said they were too busy or had a conflicting work or school schedule. Scheduling conflicts remained a barrier in 2024, when 17.8% of registered nonvoters cited being too busy or having a conflicting work or school schedule as their reason for not voting. 

 Employers can directly help lower that barrier. Consider these actions: 

• Provide paid time off or flexible scheduling for voting. 

• Create meeting-free blocks on Election Day. 

• Communicate voter registration deadlines and early voting options. 

• Direct employees to official state and local election resources. 

• Share nonpartisan voting resources such as Vote411, Civic Alliance, Can I Vote and Vote.org. 

• Support employees who want to serve as poll workers or election judges. 

• Review state and local requirements for employee voting leave. 

The specific approach will look different for every organization, but a clear policy communicated early gives employees time to make a plan and demonstrates the organization’s commitment to civic participation. 

Make trusted information easy to find 

Employees face an enormous volume of election content from news outlets, campaigns and social media and it’s become harder to determine what information is credible. Employers can reduce confusion and overwhelm by guiding their teams to credible, nonpartisan resources that help them feel informed and supported. This minimizes stress and can build trust.  

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission offers nonpartisan resources on voter registration, voting options, election security and the process for reporting and certifying results. Its 2026 voter education materials also encourage voters to rely on state and local election officials for accurate information. 

Businesses can share these resources through trusted, established internal channels and should keep communication focused on how to participate, where to find reliable information and how organizational voting policies work. 

Put organizational values into action 

Employees pay attention to whether their organization’s actions align with its values. A company that emphasizes community involvement, belonging or social responsibility has an opportunity to demonstrate those commitments through its support of civic participation. Paid voting time, credible voter resources and support for poll workers turn those values into tangible action. 

Civic participation also extends beyond federal election years. Local elections, primaries and special elections shape communities throughout the year. Businesses can make voting support part of ongoing employee communication rather than limiting it to mid-term or presidential election cycles. 

Organizations should also review corporate and leadership political donations to ensure alignment with company values. Political giving is increasingly visible and stakeholders (including employees) are watching more closely than ever before. A disconnect between what an organization says it stands for and where its contributions go can quickly erode brand reputation, credibility and trust. 

Prepare now for Election Day 

Voting is the foundation of a healthy democracy and businesses have an important role in protecting that foundation. 

The 2026 midterm elections will take place November 3. Voters will elect all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and about one-third of the U.S. Senate, as well as state and local elected officials. Now is the time to review voting policies, identify trusted resources and create an employee communication plan.  

Beehive Strategic Communication helps leaders develop clear, values-aligned communication for complex and high-stakes moments. Connect with our team to build an employee communication plan that supports civic participation and organizational trust.