An open letter to business leaders on protecting democracy

Dear Business Community,

I believe voting rights is the issue of our time—the Big Lie, the Capital insurrection, the state-level bills that have since passed, cyber-security risks, a gutted Voting Rights Act of 1965 and a longstanding conscious effort to create friction for voters - especially those of color - means that democracy is in more peril than at any time since the Civil War. No matter what issue you may care about: climate change, taxation, immigration, etc. – having elected officials responsive to voters is the key to achieving it. That's why voting rights should be our number one priority at this moment.

Trust in elections is the foundation of democracy. If people don't believe in elections, democracy will cease to exist. I don't believe that's hyperbole. As businesses, we value stability to make investments, hire talent, and grow our markets. We look at other nations without political or economic stability, and we're thankful that those systems aren't our business reality. For those of us building our businesses in America, it's hard to predict what a business climate would look like with domestic unrest, a decline of the dollar, and America's leadership tarnished. But those realities are becoming more and more likely. That's why it's important that we speak up now.

Many business leaders I've spoken with have stayed out of this issue for a variety of reasons, but I believe it's hard to overstate the impact that a decline in democracy will have for our business climate. It's almost unfathomable, that's why so many people discount it. But I believe the events of the last several years are a warning sign – and it's getting worse, not better.

The best solutions now are the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. I know there's skepticism out there that these bills can pass—but please read on.

Many leaders in the business community have not engaged on voting rights for two reasons. First, it's viewed as a partisan fight. And second, the sense that these bills won't pass. But I believe both assumptions are wrong.

First – voting rights are not partisan. It's democratic. The appearance that it's partisan however, is an intentional strategy to keep traditionally non-partisan business leaders out of this issue. How do I know? Several business leaders have confided in me that they've been explicitly told by partisan officials to keep out of this issue. But this issue is not partisan. These bills provide more fair districting, more access to the polls, and more investments in the integrity and security of the vote. These are universal principles we all should be in support of – anybody who doesn't want fair access, non-partisan districts, or election integrity isn't looking out for our nation. Truly - left or right - both sides who are acting on good faith care that elections work and these bills substantially strengthen elections in the ways that both parties care about.

Second, there's a belief that these bills won't pass, so why take the risk of raising partisan ire. That may have been true a month ago, but it's not a valid assumption today. 

Senate Leadership will call a vote, very soon. There are just two people who need to get on board: Senators Manchin and Senator Sinema. 

For background, both Manchin and Sinema are supportive of both the Freedom to Vote Act (Manchin wrote it!) and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. They are *not* in favor of circumventing the filibuster to get it passed. They have seen this as changing the rules of the Senate in a partisan way. I write this letter because I believe our voices as business leaders can help sway these critical votes. 

President Biden came out yesterday strongly in favor of Senate rules reform. The filibuster has been changed *many* times over the years. Robert Byrd, Manchin's mentor, changed the filibuster many times and Leader Schumer has expressed multiple options for a limited change to the filibuster to get this done—there's a lot of flexibility in how. Enough flexibility that these two Senators can make it work if they have the will. 

What these two folks will respond to, is vocal support from the business community. They need to hear that this issue is important, and not just from their partisan colleagues and individual voters, but also by the business community. Simply put, they know that jobs mean reelection – so hearing that the business community believes in voting rights can provide the needed impetus for their action. 

There is a real chance to get this done in the next week. But your voice matters. It doesn't have to be public - there's an audience of two. And their votes will change the course of our democracy and the stable environment that all of our businesses depend on.

There are many business leaders who regularly speak up on issues important to their businesses: corporate taxes, trade policy, or visas for talent. Now, however, it's time for business leaders to speak up for the very foundations of our economy and freedom: democracy.

It's time for business leaders to speak up for the very foundations of our economy and freedom: democracy.

So business leaders, it's time to show up for democracy. It's easy: reach out to these two and tell them a) this is important and b) limited rules change in the Senate is worth it. And tell your peers to do the same. The more you do business in West Virginia or Arizona in particular, the stronger your voice is. 

If you're an employee and you want your company to participate in strengthening our democracy, tag your CEO in this post, forward this post to them or your policy leadership. I believe it's worth all of our time to speak up – the stakes are too high to remain on the sidelines.