Minnesota businesses have a stake in making voting accessible to their employees. Elections shape decisions about education, workforce development, infrastructure, public safety, and economic policy—all of which affect the environment in which our companies operate.

A May 2026 report from the Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board found that secure, credible, and accessible elections support business confidence and economic stability. Supporting employees’ ability to vote is more than a civic gesture. It supports the institutions and communities on which businesses rely.

Minnesota has a strong tradition of civic participation. More than 3.27 million Minnesotans voted in the 2024 general election—76.35% of the eligible voting population and one of the highest voter turnouts in the country. But this is not a typical election year.

Many voters are approaching this year’s election with questions and concerns. National debate and legal challenges involving voter registration, mail voting, and election administration have made the voting landscape harder to follow. Election officials are also working to address cybersecurity threats and misinformation about voting and election results.

A 2026 Gallup survey found that 73% of Americans had at least a fair amount of concern about multiple aspects of the election process. Those concerns included whether ballots would be handled and counted properly, voter intimidation, and pressure on election officials.

Here in Minnesota, the experience of Operation Metro Surge looms large along with the accompanying feelings of fear, confusion, and mistrust. People may have questions about their safety, rights, or access to the polls. This all adds up to an especially challenging election environment for voters to navigate.

Our business leaders have an opportunity and the responsibility to use their influence to support voting in a neutral, nonpartisan way by making participation easier and directing employees to clear, reliable information.

Employers can remove a practical barrier

U.S. Census Bureau data shows that 17.8% of registered nonvoters cited being too busy or having a conflicting work or school schedule as their reason for not voting in 2024. Employers cannot eliminate every obstacle to voting, but they can address this one.

Minnesota law gives employees the right to take the time necessary to vote on Election Day or during the early in-person voting period without a penalty or reduction in pay. Employers may ask employees to coordinate their absences, but they cannot limit or interfere with that right.

That law gives companies a starting point, but clear communication is needed to make the policy work as intended. Employers should explain voting leave well before Election Day and make sure managers understand it. Leaders can advocate for the policy by encouraging people to use it so they can make voting a priority. They can also avoid unnecessary Election Day meetings, offer scheduling flexibility, and support employees who serve as election judges.

Business leaders can be hesitant to communicate anything related to politics, but these conversations are already happening within organizations.

• A 2025 survey found that almost two-thirds (64%) of U.S. employees have experienced or witnessed a political disagreement at work in the past year.
• 27% of employees reported the political environment distracted them from their jobs.

Employers can best help by setting clear expectations for workplace conversations and by providing accurate, nonpartisan information that respects each person’s choices. Leaders can share official information from the Minnesota Secretary of State and local election offices. They can remind employees of important dates and explain how they can register, request an absentee ballot, vote early, or find their polling place.

Businesses should provide credible information on the voting process

Voters are facing an overwhelming volume of election information through campaigns, news outlets, and social media, and it’s become harder to determine what is credible. Proactively guiding teams to reliable, neutral resources helps them feel informed and supported, which creates stronger engagement and trust.

Employees notice whether their organization’s actions align with its values. A company that emphasizes community involvement, belonging, or social responsibility can demonstrate those commitments through its support of civic participation.

Businesses can also look at their own actions to ensure values alignment. Companies and leaders that make political contributions should confirm they are aligned with stated values and governance standards. A disconnect between what an organization says it stands for and where its contributions go can quickly erode brand reputation, credibility, and trust.

Strong civic participation is part of Minnesota’s identity. Employers can help sustain it through clear policies and credible information. Those actions support employees and strengthen the communities where Minnesota businesses grow.

Now is the time to for business leaders to decide how they will support voting rights and accessibility on behalf of their teams and communities. Minnesota’s 2026 general election is Nov. 3. Absentee voting began on Sept. 18. There’s no time to waste.