Our country was founded on the premise of the freedom of its citizens from the arbitrary overreach of a monarch. Thanks to the will of our people and our strong and resilient economy, we have enjoyed the independence we celebrate every July 4.
Sadly, our freedom faces the same risk today as it did nearly 250 years ago, however, today’s threat to our democracy is homegrown.
Echoing President Joe Biden, who last week said in a speech about threats to voting rights, “I’m tired of being quiet,” our members, including businesses in West Virginia, are voicing their concern because they know that, without democracy functioning, the risk to independent businesses is existential.
Democracy and a sustainable economy enjoy a symbiotic relationship. A risk to one is a risk to the other. Which is why many business owners support Senate passage of the Freedom to Vote Act to establish minimum requirements for how states conduct federal elections. These include the expansion of voter registration, requirement of a minimum number of days and hours for early voting and creation of a nationwide right to vote by mail.
In 1776, the country’s founders knew their system was far from perfect and openly said they were trying to create a more perfect union. We have a history of including the voices of those who make these United States a better functioning democracy. The abolition of slavery, extension of citizenship and allowing women to vote as recently as last century are signs of our progress to be less imperfect, and attempts to silence voices by allowing voting restrictions is a dangerous step backward for businesses.
Business operators need options, such as the mail-in vote and extended voting hours, to participate in our democracy while supporting our economy.
Entrepreneurship depends on a democracy in which people know that if they have a good idea to serve a market need and are willing to sacrifice and work diligently, their idea can become a successful, profitable business for themselves, their families and their communities.
The Senate must do its part to protect every eligible American’s right to vote and guarantee that election results are respected by passing fair and transparent voting rights legislation.
Failing to pass voting rights legislation that protects our democracy threatens our economy. If allowed to continue, these anti-democracy actions will result in an autocratic government favoring politically connected special interests that will sap the will of the entrepreneurs who drive our local, state and national economies. So, the next time you visit your favorite local business, thank them for voicing their opinion about your right to vote.
Jeni Burns Riser is the owner of Ms Groovys Kitchen catering in Charleston. Seungah Jeong is co-chairwoman of the American Sustainable Business Network, and president and CEO of MPOWERD.
