Want to increase voter turnout? Start with the workplace

For decades, politicians and political action committees have poured vast sums into persuading voters to head to the polls. However, these efforts barely register an impact. Even the most meticulously planned door-to-door canvassing can only boost turnout by a couple of percentage points. But a new study reveals a far more potent tool for increasing voter turnout: America's workplaces.

By analyzing LinkedIn employment records against voter data from 30 million workers at 377,000 employers, researchers from Michigan, Harvard, Columbia, and Maryland discovered that an individual's workplace is a key factor in determining whether or not they choose to vote. Employees who switch to a higher-scoring employer become 3.5 percentage points more likely to vote, while moving from the 25th percentile employer to the 75th percentile boosts the likelihood by 5.8 percentage points.

Importantly, these effects transcend political leanings. The findings suggest that employers wield significant sway over their employees' voting habits. Employers shape the environment in which people spend most of their day, making them powerful influencers on civic engagement. Companies can set the tone by reminding employees of upcoming elections and highlighting the importance of democratic participation.

They also hold the power to prevent obstacles to voting, such as scheduling conflicts and leave policies on Election Day. While many corporate leaders may not prioritize employee voting or be aware of their company's position on this matter, there is a clear obligation for businesses to address this issue. At Weyco, a simple communications calendar is used to encourage employees to make voting plans and receive reminders leading up to Election Day.

Paid leave is also provided for those who want to vote or serve as poll workers. Goodmans has partnered with Power the Polls to recruit poll workers, offering employees a small stipend and a paid day off for their service. To facilitate implementation, Wisconsin Business Leaders for Democracy offers a toolkit with a communications timeline and templates that any company can adapt.

The key steps are straightforward: provide time for voting, remind employees when to vote, and help connect them with local election officials. Moreover, encouraging employees to serve as poll workers is crucial, as poll worker shortages lead to longer lines and a less smooth voting experience. While discussions about political speech by CEOs remain contentious, helping employees participate in democracy does not require any such disclosures.

Companies can implement these strategies with minimal effort, such as a few emails and scheduling flexibility. The benefits extend beyond the election cycle; research suggests that employees continue to vote even after leaving the company, influencing their families and households as well. The impact is particularly significant in primaries, where increased turnout can make a substantial difference.

Helping employees vote is not only a moral imperative but also a sound business decision. Greater voter participation fosters trust in democracy, which in turn supports stability, enabling businesses to plan, invest, and hire. Employers already possess the power to shape voting behaviors, and with minimal effort, they can leverage this power for positive change.