Statement

Open Letter

As Ohio approaches the general election, we—business and civic leaders from across the state, Republicans, Independents, and Democrats—affirm a simple principle: a strong economy depends on respect for our elections and the rule of law.

This November, we will choose a U.S. Senator, a new governor, members of Congress and the state legislature, and hundreds of other state and local officials. We will also elect officials with important responsibilities for administering elections and resolving disputes, including the Secretary of State, Attorney General, and two members of the Ohio Supreme Court.

Ohio’s elections are administered through 88 bipartisan county boards of elections, each composed of two Republicans and two Democrats. Ballots are marked on paper, voting equipment is publicly tested, and election procedures are open to public scrutiny. Tens of thousands of Ohioans will serve as election officials and poll workers.

Their work deserves our respect and protection, as we affirm in this VIDEO featuring three of our Ohio business colleagues.

Those safeguards also face new pressures. Across the country, election officials have faced threats and intimidation, and political pressure on election administration has intensified. Ohio must be prepared to protect the integrity and independence of its elections—and ensure that lawful results are respected.

Respect for the rule of law and reliable government institutions are among America’s greatest competitive advantages. Businesses invest, hire, and expand when rules are predictable and institutions are stable. Prolonged uncertainty over vote counting, certification, or lawful election outcomes can undermine confidence and damage a state’s reputation.

As Ohio business leaders, we support every eligible citizen’s right to vote and have that vote counted; impartial and transparent election administration; the resolution of disputes through established legal processes; and respect for lawful election outcomes, regardless of which candidates prevail.

And we will act on those principles. We will stand with Ohio’s election officials against threats and intimidation, correct demonstrably false claims about Ohio’s elections regardless of who makes them, defend election officials and judges from improper political interference, and speak publicly and together if lawful certification is obstructed or an election outcome is challenged outside established legal processes.

Our commitment is not to a party or candidate. It is to the rules and institutions that allow Ohioans to choose their leaders—and that give businesses the stability and confidence to invest in Ohio’s future.

Signatories are listed as individuals, not as formal representatives of their organizations or businesses.

Leadership Now Ohio is a partnership of business leaders—Republicans, Independents, and Democrats—committed to a stable, competitive future for our state. Ohio’s economic success depends on the strength of our institutions and the trust citizens place in them. Leadership Now Ohio, led by Richard Stoff, is a state affiliate of Leadership Now Project.