Business leaders and Groups reaffirm commitment to American democracy on January 6, 2022

In November 2020, thousands of business leaders called for patience and trust in our democratic system as votes were tallied for the presidential election. The business community’s position was unequivocal: the 2020 election was legitimate, upheld Constitutional processes, and was reviewed extensively in the courts. In the weeks that followed, these leaders were also vigilant in supporting each of the milestones towards a peaceful transition of power. Two months later, when a violent insurrection attacked the United States Capitol in an effort to overturn the election, the business community again immediately and forcefully responded to defend the election results.

Today, threats to our democracy continue due to concerted efforts to undermine faith in our elections through disinformation, attacks on nonpartisan election administration, and attempts to shift election authority to partisan actors. Over the past week, we have heard from historians, scholars, and military generals about these dangers, which drive uncertainty and could lead to conflict surrounding a future election. And the business community is once again called upon to act.

On the anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, we reaffirm the business community’s commitment to stand by the legitimacy of America’s elections as foundational to our democracy and our economy. Our statements below reflect that commitment and we ask political and business leaders to join us in continuing to counter election disinformation and to ensure election processes that encourage each citizen to vote.

Free and fair elections are a hallmark of our democracy and our economic stability. Democracy is a critical foundation for capitalism, enabling the rule of law essential for long-term economic stability, and fostering free expression essential for innovation. Only by addressing these threats can we ensure America retains its credibility and competitiveness in global markets and continues to be a magnet for top talent. We invite political and civic leaders to join us in defense of American democracy.


Organizations joining us in reaffirming commitment to American democracy in 2022:

American Society of Association Executives (reaffirming statement from January 7th, 2021)

The peaceful and orderly transfer of power following a certified U.S. election and the rule of law must be protected, no matter the political differences of our fellow citizens… Associations have a proven and unique ability to bring together individuals in support of a common purpose. Differences of opinion, background and experiences are welcomed. It is ASAE’s hope and intention to be a unifying force in upholding faith in our institutions, our ability to engage in civil discourse for the good of society, and in America’s role as a beacon of democracy to the world.

Black Economic Alliance (reaffirming statement from March 31st, 2021)

As Black business leaders, we cannot sit silently in the face of this gathering threat to our nation’s democratic values and allow the fundamental right of Americans, to cast their votes for whomever they choose, to be trampled upon yet again… The stakes for our democracy are too high to remain on the sidelines. Corporate America must support our nation’s fundamental democratic principles and marshal its collective influence to ensure fairness and equity for all.

Leadership Now Project (reaffirming statement from January 5th, 2021)

Ongoing unsubstantiated claims of fraud sow distrust in the system and diminish our ability to achieve the type of bipartisan problem-solving that’s needed to tackle our nation’s toughest challenges, from COVID-19 to economic recovery. It is time to move forward and respect the will of the voters and electors.

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (reaffirming statement from January 7th, 2021)

The events that unfolded on Capitol Hill yesterday caused by a destructive and unlawful mob were horrifying to observe… America’s business owners and their employees are appreciative that Congress quickly resumed its duties to demonstrate that the violent actions directed at disrupting a critical step in what has always been a peaceful transfer of power would not deter their work or undermine our democracy.

Small Business for America’s Future (reaffirming statement from January 6th, 2021)

A national survey of more than 1,000 small business owners following the presidential election in November found 73% believe Trump should participate in a peaceful transition of power... The United States of America built the most powerful economy in the world in no small part due to the stability of our government and the peaceful transfer of power we have enjoyed for generations. Allowed to go unpunished, today’s assault on democracy could undermine all that we have achieved as a nation. We must act to preserve it.

Several other organizations also made public statements on or surrounding the January 6 insurrection that support election legitimacy: