Make Your Voice Heard!

It’s not every day when you get to turn your attention to something other than your business. However, this is an issue that will have a direct impact on your business. Since Tuesday is election day, it seemed appropriate to write about why we all need to vote and how it affects your business.

“One person, one vote” is a guiding principle of our democratic republic. It’s incumbent upon each of us, as voting-age citizens, to cast our ballots, not just for the presidential election, but for every race that happens to be on your particular ballot. A democracy only works when people, including business owners, take the time, effort and energy to be involved. Don’t forget to vote.

Does One Vote Really Make a Difference?

While it’s not a national holiday, election day is of great importance to our country. And yes, every vote matters, so don’t forget to vote. In 1960, John F. Kennedy beat Richard Nixon by fewer than 120,000 votes nationwide. His electoral college victory was a wider 303-219 affair. But it’s not the closest race in US history.

In 1880, James Garfield beat Winfield Scott Hancock, a Civil War hero, by fewer than 7,400 votes, when most of the population hadn’t yet won the right to cast a ballot (meaning women and most minorities). But the closest electoral college race came in 2000, with George W. Bush and Al Gore. Gore won the popular vote by half a million, but lost the race 271-266. And these examples are just for president.

In state and local races, where smaller populations vote, results can get much closer. As recently as 2017, a race for the Virginia House of Delegates, a 100-seat legislative body, ended in a tie, 11,608-11,608. The name of each candidate was placed inside a small camera film canister, both of which went into a bowl. The State Board of Elections chairman drew one at random to select the winner.

How Does the Election Affect My Business?

History teaches us that the big businesses usually prosper under Republican administrations, while small businesses benefit from a Democratic president. But Ray Access doesn’t advocate one candidate or one party over another — you have to come to your own conclusions. Just don’t forget to vote. You have to weigh the benefits of all candidates on your ballot, consider the community you serve and then vote your conscience.

In 2021, a Democratic president may repeal the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which lowered taxes mostly for big businesses and wealthy individuals. A Republican president may try to broaden the TCJA and make it permanent. A Democrat would likely lower taxes for the lower and middle class, while raising them for the very wealthy. A Republican would likely do the opposite to spur “job-creators.”

Do Businesses Shape Communities or Vice Versa?

But as a business owner, you may benefit from supporting the community that supports you, whether it’s a neighborhood, a town, a state or a nation. If your community suffers, you most definitely will. But if your community prospers, you may too. They say a rising tide lifts all boats, so do what you can to keep your community afloat.

The best way to do that is to make time to vote tomorrow, if you haven’t already. Early voting and absentee voting have topped previous highs to foreshadow a massive voter turnout. That’s good for democracy, and it doesn’t make your vote matter any less. Don’t forget to vote.

Ray Access is a content marketing firm that delivers targeted words to empower your business. Contact us about your specific project to receive a quote or discuss your needs. We write website copy, blog posts, e-newsletters and more. Everything we do is thoroughly researched, professionally edited and guaranteed original.