Secretary Benson, Detroit Regional Chamber and business leaders launch new coalition to support safe and secure elections
Michigan Business United for Elections will help educate citizens about their voting rights, encourage employees to participate in elections
MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. – Today at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was joined by Detroit Regional Chamber CEO Sandy Baruah and Michigan business leaders to launch a new collaboration supporting our state’s safe and secure elections. Michigan Business United for Elections is a nonpartisan, diverse coalition of business leaders from all over the state committed to engaging and informing Michigan voters in the 2024 election cycle.
“I’m proud to announce a partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber, rallying business leaders as trusted voices to make sure Michigan voters can easily vote and have confidence in our elections in 2024," Secretary Benson said. “A civically engaged business community is the key to a strong and healthy democracy. And a strong, healthy democracy is necessary for a thriving economy, like the one we’re growing in Michigan today and building for the future. Today is just the beginning – we’re inviting all Michigan business leaders to step up and join us.”
“The stability of our society and the strength of our democracy is necessary for businesses and their employees to thrive,” said Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber. “The Chamber has been a staunch defender of democracy and is proud to partner with Secretary of State Benson on this initiative. As trusted voices in our community, businesses have an important role to play in supporting democracy and encouraging their employees to participate in the 2024 election regardless of whom they vote for.”
“The Detroit Pistons are active participants in the election process and encourage citizens to exercise their right to vote,” said Arn Tellem, Vice Chairman for the Detroit Pistons. “We are proud to support the Michigan Department of State by making the pledge to offer employees paid time off to vote on Election Day, provide nonpartisan voting information, and encourage our employees to volunteer their time during the upcoming elections.”
"We understand that busy schedules can create challenges on Election Day which is why we feel it is our responsibility to provide the flexibility to make voting easier," said Rachel Stewart, CEO of Gardner White. "As an organization deeply committed to community, this is an opportunity to support our team in an impactful way while encouraging civic engagement."
Michigan Business United for Elections partners have committed to three things in 2024:
- Ensure employees have time off to vote during the early voting period or on Election Day;
- Promote nonpartisan voter education information, including how to register, and the options Michigan voters have to cast ballots;
- Encourage employees to serve as poll workers during the August Primary Election and November General Election.
Secretary Benson and the coalition members invite all Michigan business leaders to join their work to support safe and secure elections – learn more at Michigan.gov/Biz4Elections.
For information about Michigan’s elections, visit Michigan.gov/Vote.
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Secretary Jocelyn Benson joined Michigan business leaders at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference to launch Michigan Business United for Elections. Pictured from left to right: Vice President of Community Relations for Greektown Casino Marvin Beatty, Senior Vice President of DTE Energy JoAnn Chávez, CEO of Heritage Optical George Barnes, Secretary Benson, President and CEO of Detroit Regional Chamber Sandy K. Baruah, CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Carla Walker-Miller, and Vice President of Government Affairs for Consumers Energy Brandon Hofmeister.
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