A Midterm Message from Our CEO
As we approach a highly uncertain election, I’ll attempt to cut through the noise and share a few thoughts on what’s at stake, what is being done, and what you can do.
But first – be sure to vote. November 8th is election day and many states have already started early voting. Encourage friends, colleagues, customers, and employees to participate. Find info on your polling place at vote.org.
What’s at stake in this election?
Political violence and election denial are on the ballot.
The attack on Paul Pelosi is a warning sign. His attacker was fueled by online conspiracy theories. While Pelosi was recovering from surgery, Twitter’s new owner, Elon Musk, used his platform to spread disinformation about the violent incident.
60 percent of Americans will have an election denier on the ballot. This isn’t an isolated incident of disinformation. In many GOP primaries, election denialism is an essential requirement to win.
Governor and Secretary of State races are key to future election legitimacy. These elections will determine if election denial becomes a governing philosophy in states from Arizona to Michigan and even New York.
Arizona is ground zero. Aggressive armed patrols of ballot boxes and pervasive doubts about election legitimacy are increasing the threat of election violence and risk deterring voters in Arizona. Unabashed election deniers are running for governor, secretary of state, and attorney general – and all have a solid chance of prevailing.
While the risks are significant, turnout and engagement may be high, particularly among women. In battleground states, registration by women has surged. As I discussed on Morning Joe in October alongside Leadership Now member Tom Rogers, addressing the priorities of independent women will be critical.
How are business leaders responding to the threats?
Leaders unite from Michigan, Wisconsin, and beyond, but much more is needed.
Wisconsin business leaders set clear democracy standards. A few weeks ago, bipartisan Leadership Now Wisconsin members gave a questionnaire to each candidate for Governor to confirm their commitment to certifying elections without bias. Only Governor Evers made that commitment; Michels didn’t respond. Watch what they had to say below and read about it here.
Michigan business leaders support the Promote the Vote Ballot Initiative. The Detroit Regional Chamber and business leaders in the state endorsed the November ballot initiative, which protects access to voting and reduces the politicization of elections.
The Electoral Count Act has a strong chance of passing in the lame-duck session, backed by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Leadership Now and our members have endorsed reforming the ECA, as has the Partnership for New York City, Business Roundtable, and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
We joined a massive response to the Supreme Court Moore v. Harper case that could give state legislatures unprecedented control over elections. Read Leadership Now's amicus brief. We joined more than 60 groups and individuals submitting amicus briefs last week, including former generals, state attorneys general, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the US solicitor general herself. Our brief uniquely makes the case that independent state legislatures would create substantial risks to businesses and markets through gerrymandering and election interference. Oral arguments for the case start on December 7.
What can you do?
Be prepared and vote.
1) First, be prepared not to know all of the results on Election Night. Several key states – including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin – do not allow the counting of mail-in ballots until Election Day or the day before. Other states, including New York and California, can take days to tally mail-in ballots, which can be postmarked through Election Day. While much is uncertain, if history is a guide, it will likely be a night where Democrats lose more than they win (the party not occupying the White House usually does well in midterm elections). Election violence or refusal to accept results by local or even statewide election boards is possible, and lawsuits are almost guaranteed.
2) Vote early or make a plan to vote on Election Day. It may seem obvious, but it must be said. Encourage your family, friends, networks, and employees to act on their civic duty and make a voting plan.
3) Support candidates that meet the Principled Candidate standard and commit to free, fair, and secure elections. We've continued our practice, started in 2018, of highlighting a list of extraordinary, highly-qualified candidates for Congress.
4) No matter what happens in the election, the ECA and the Supreme Court Independent State Legislature case will be critical to the conduct of future elections. Make your voice heard by engaging your members of Congress or publicly speaking out on these and other democracy issues.
5) Read on to learn about our new State Democracy Report Card, and for the latest Leadership Now news and recommended reads.
Thanks again for your commitment and leadership.
Best,
Daniella