Protect Our Elections

Defending accessible, secure, and fair elections. Strong institutions and respect for the rule of law are among America's greatest competitive advantages.

Here's what business leaders need to know — and what you can do.

The 2026 midterm elections will take place in a significantly altered risk environment.

Access Our 2026 Election Threats Memo

Why Election Integrity Is a Business Priority

Governance Risk, Not Political Disagreement

Election uncertainty isn't just a political issue — it's an economic risk. Market volatility, operational disruption, and eroding confidence in U.S. institutions have direct consequences for the business community.

Targeted efforts to disrupt voter registration, canvassing and campaigning; limiting access to mail-in voting, drop boxes and certain voting machines; delaying certification; questioning election administration and results without clear proof; or contributing to civil unrest in response to any of the above could lead to market volatility and deep reputational harm for the United States. Strong institutions and respect for the rule of law, including the peaceful transfer of power, are among America’s greatest competitive advantages. Our economic success has been built on that foundation.

Market Volatility

Election uncertainty can drive volatility and freeze business planning

Reputational Harm

Election disruption erodes confidence in U.S. institutional performance

Operational Disruption

Civil unrest and federal enforcement actions can disrupt day-to-day operations

How U.S. Elections Are Kept Safe and Secure

 
Layers of election security Every vote passes through multiple safeguards across a decentralized system 10,000+ local election jurisdictions Decentralized across 50 states Only eligible voters can vote 21 million ineligible records removed in 2024 44 states verify absentee ballot identity All 49 states with registration conduct regular list maintenance. Fraud is investigated, prosecuted, and punished with jail time and fines. Voting equipment is tested and verified 96% of voters use a paper trail ballot 49 states conduct post-election audits Almost every state tests and certifies equipment using a federal program that has been in operation for almost 20 years. Elections are transparent and accountable 22 months ballots retained after elections Every state allows public poll watchers Election officials document the location and status of all ballots and voting equipment throughout the process. Source: Bipartisan Policy Center, R Street Institute, Institute for Responsive Government (2026)
 

How Every State Protects Your Vote

The Bipartisan Policy Center, in collaboration with the R Street Institute and the Institute for Responsive Government, details the security and integrity protections that make American elections strong, resilient, and trustworthy in every jurisdiction — from voter eligibility verification to equipment testing to post-election audits.

Read: United in Security — How Every State Protects Your Vote (2026) →

Why 2026 Is Different

Before
Election Day

Voter access & administrative risk

Federal efforts to obtain voter data could lead to erroneous removals, administrative overload, and litigation that disrupts election preparation. Ongoing challenges to mail-in voting and electronic voting machines — contradicting elections experts and administrators of both parties — create confusion and lay the groundwork for contesting results. Heightened federal law enforcement activity in targeted jurisdictions could deter voter registration, canvassing, and public campaign events.

On
Election Day

Operational & public-safety risk

Federal law enforcement deployments near polling places or election offices — whether intentional or not — could suppress turnout or disrupt operations. Election officials and poll workers face escalating threats and harassment, increasing the risk of staffing shortages and operational errors on the day that matters most.

After
Election Day

Counting & certification risk

Claims of irregularities could be used to justify seizure of ballots or machines, federal investigations during vote counting, or political pressure on state and local officials — disrupting the chain of custody needed for accurate results. In a close election, certification disputes in even a small number of districts could delay or prevent the seating of duly elected members of Congress on January 3, 2027.

Legislation to Watch

Understanding the SAVE America Act

Citizenship is already required to vote, and noncitizen voting is virtually nonexistent. The Bipartisan Policy Center breaks down what this legislation would do and why it matters.

Read: Five Things to Know About the SAVE America Act →

Practical Steps for Business Leaders

Business leaders can take action to reduce systemic risk.

  • 1

    Engage early with state and local election officials

    Proactively reach out to the secretary of state's office or county elections clerk to express support for their efforts to run accessible, secure and fair elections. Ask them how you and the business community more generally can be supportive of their efforts.

  • 2

    Support election operations and civic norms

    Encourage employees to register to vote and to serve as poll workers, and make it as simple as possible for them to do so. Consider best corporate practices to facilitate participation like paid time off. Host programs aimed at enhancing civic engagement of employees. The Civic Alliance shares best practices.

  • 3

    Share primers on how elections work in the U.S.

    The bipartisan oversight and the layers of security, reconciliation, and audits throughout the process make U.S. elections safe, secure and accurate. When people understand how elections, vote-tabulation and results certification work, they become advocates in their own circles. Educating Americans of all stripes and helping them grow trust in our country's elections is a powerful antidote to disinformation and distrust.

  • 4

    Plan for post-election uncertainty

    Engage proactively, in advance of the elections, with other business leaders and business associations (including chambers of commerce) to discuss when collective business leader action, either public or private, would be warranted. Make a specific plan for what that would look like, including which influential decision-makers would be engaged and when public statements might be warranted.

  • 5

    Prepare messaging and be ready to act

    Prepare internal and external messaging that emphasizes patience, respect for election processes, and trust in local and state election officials during vote counting and certification. Be ready for coordinated business leader action, should the need arise, including private outreach or public statements, based on pre-identified criteria and in consultation with peers and relevant stakeholders.

Resources