This month, the Business Roundtable, a group of CEOs from major American companies, released a statement regarding the upcoming elections that they believed was necessary to address.

The Business Roundtable urged Americans to respect the legal processes outlined in federal and state laws for determining election results and ensuring a smooth transition of power.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce also recently provided guidance on the principles of our democratic system and rule of law, emphasizing the need for patience and trust in the checks and balances in place.

It is crucial to remain patient in the face of delayed vote counts, rejecting baseless actions or threats of violence that can damage democracy, institutions, and the rule of law.

As leaders of significant corporations, members of the Business Roundtable have the capacity to influence the actions of their employees, political figures, and the public, highlighting the readiness of economic institutions to support democracy.

Leading up to the 2020 elections, associations like the Chamber and the National Association of Manufacturers issued bipartisan statements endorsing fair elections, denouncing disinformation, and condemning political violence. These associations were acknowledged for their statements when they recognized the election results on Nov. 8, 2020, and condemned violence on Jan. 6, 2021.

Despite the political divide in the country, both associations and companies should not hesitate to speak out and emphasize key truths: that elections are fair, voting is sacred, and political violence is unacceptable.

The signs of unrest leading up to the upcoming elections are evident, with former President Donald Trump questioning their validity and inciting potential conflict. Businesses and associations have proven credibility on related issues, offering trustworthy sources of information amidst perceived disinformation.

American companies and associations may fear retaliation for opposing Trump directly, as he has threatened to take retribution in the past. Yet, failure to speak up against corruption or violence can significantly harm the democratic system.

It is essential for corporations and associations to learn from other nations like Turkey and Hungary that have experienced a decline in democracy due to lack of vocal opposition. The importance of speaking out against authoritarianism for the sake of democracy and national stability cannot be understated.

Corporate and association leaders can play a significant role by advocating for employees’ voting rights, supporting election integrity, and emphasizing the importance of maintaining order for the country’s security.

By issuing statements supporting the right to vote, denouncing violence, and demanding respect for legitimate election results, corporations and associations can make a positive impact on the electoral process.

Encouraging political leaders to commit to fair elections, abide by election laws, and accept certified results is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the democratic system. The support of businesses and associations can help solidify this commitment.

In conclusion, it is imperative that businesses and their associations take a visible stand in support of democracy. Silence is not an option in this critical election, and all efforts must be made to safeguard the democratic process.