Nearly 800 companies plan to give employees paid time off on election day. Instead of working from home, these companies are urging employees to vote and possibly volunteer at polling places.
With the COVID-19 pandemic looming, the process of voting has become a hot button issue across the country. From mail-in voting to drive-in mailing centers, companies like Nike and Twitter are urging employees to cast their ballots.
“Given the importance of voting, going forward all national election voting days that take place on a weekday will be a paid day off. Since the U.S. presidential election falls on a work day (November 3), we will plan to close all U.S. offices on that day,” Twitter stated in a memo to employees.
“The best policy is not time-bound but will take into account the unique challenges facing voters this election cycle. Tell your CEO to give Election Day off to vote,” Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff added.
However, companies are not stopping at simply giving employees the day off to vote. Companies like Uber are using their product to inform employees and customers about where they can go to register to vote or cast their ballot on election day.
“We hope that by giving people the ability to easily register to vote, request an absentee ballot and get to the polls via the Uber and Uber Eats apps, independent workers — and everyone who uses our platform — will have a stronger voice in our democracy," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi wrote in a statement.
“And in addition to providing resources on the Uber and Uber Eats platforms to help individuals register to vote and get to the polls, we are proud to announce that we are also giving employees the day off, feeding people in line to vote, and looking into other ways to unite the communities we serve on Election Day."
Foot Locker has also moved to offer voter resources at more than 2,000 stores.
"At Foot Locker, our mission is to inspire and empower youth culture, so partnering with Rock The Vote was a natural fit to help educate and amplify the voices of today's youth," Foot Locker CEO Richard Johnson said.
As we near election day, companies are urging others to match their efforts by visiting their campaign's website.
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