The 2020 presidential election is arguably one of the most important elections in modern history. With that distinction comes an incredible push for all Americans to cast their vote and make their voice heard. Despite Election Day being less than a week away, more than 65.5 million votes have already been cast, surpassing the 58.3 million pre-election ballots cast in 2016.
Check out more of our insights on voting in the 2020 election in support of retail here.
Many retailers around the United States have recognized the importance of this election and have doubled down on their efforts to encourage citizens to vote. Levi Strauss & Co., an outspoken retailer with values rooted in its social impact efforts, partnered with Patagonia and PayPal for the non-partisan “Time to Vote” campaign, which launched in 2018 to encourage companies to give their employees time off to vote. More than 1,700 companies have joined the movement and are allowing their employees to take time to cast their ballots.
Retailers such as Patagonia and J.Crew have gone as far as closing their stores, offices and distribution centers for Election Day, while others including Walmart, Apple, Levi’s and Gap Inc. allow employees a few hours of paid time off to vote if their schedules do not allow for it.
Gap Inc. created a marketing campaign dubbed “Stand United” which includes a voter registration page and $25,000 in donations to organizations When We All Vote and Rock the Vote. Gap’s Old Navy banner is paying employees who volunteer at polls on Election Day.
Whether voting early, via absentee ballot or in-person on Election Day, it’s important for everyone to participate. In a pandemic-plagued year full of civil unrest, so much depends on this election, including retail’s recovery.
Stay informed, cast your ballot and make your voice heard.
