Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2021
CONTACT: press@secure-democracy.org
ROUNDUP: Texas Businesses Call on Texas Lawmakers to Stop Imposing Barriers to the Ballot
As Senate Passes Election Restrictions in the Dead of Night, and the House Holds a 22-hour Hearing Until 6 a.m., Texas Employers Mobilize
AUSTIN, Texas— In response to the state legislature’s efforts to restrict Texas voters’ access to the polls, numerous Texas-based businesses and employers operating in Texas have mobilized to fight back.
“At a time when Texas state legislators are interfering with their own voters’ access to the ballot, it is inspiring to see Texas business leaders speaking out for their workforce and their consumers,” said Sarah Walker, executive director of Secure Democracy. “Our recent polling of conservative voters found that business leaders have deep trust from the public on this issue. Rather than disparage reputable businesses taking a stand, we wish that lawmakers would work with them to ensure Texas remains a great place for democracy and a great place for business.”
Below is a brief roundup of businesses that are joining the chorus of voices supporting the freedom to vote — and, in many cases, explicitly opposing S.B. 7, which was passed by the state Senate in the early morning hours of April 1, and H.B. 6, which was heard in a 22-hour committee hearing running from 8 a.m. on April 1 to 6 a.m. April 2.
Amazon, in a media statement issued April 1, 2021, said: “We oppose efforts in other states aimed at restricting the ability of Americans to vote.”
American Airlines, in a media statement issued April 1, 2021, said: “As a Texas-based business, we must stand up for the rights of our team members and customers who call Texas home, and honor the sacrifices made by generations of Americans to protect and expand the right to vote.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook, in a media statement issued April 1, 2021, said: “Apple believes that, thanks in part to the power of technology, it ought to be easier than ever for every eligible citizen to exercise their right to vote. We support efforts to ensure that our democracy’s future is more hopeful and inclusive than its past.”
AT&T, in a media statement issued April 1, 2021, said: “We believe the right to vote is sacred and we support voting laws that make it easier for more Americans to vote in free, fair, and secure elections.”
The Business Roundtable, in a media statement issued March 31, 2021, said: “Unnecessary restrictions on the right to vote strike at the heart of representative government. Business Roundtable members believe state laws must safeguard and guarantee the right to vote."
Dell founder Michael Dell opposes Texas voting restrictions, tweeting on April 1, 2021: “Governments should ensure citizens have their voices heard. HB6 does the opposite, and we are opposed to it.”
Microsoft, in a media statement issued April 1, 2021, said: “We are concerned that HB 6 could criminalize honest mistakes made by volunteer poll workers, which would give us pause before encouraging our employees to volunteer and serve in those roles.”
Prudential Financial, in a recent press interview, said it “believes in ensuring Americans have equal access to the right to vote, and we do not support this legislation.”
CEOs from Salesforce, Uber, and 200+ other companies, as well as the MLB Commissioner, in a joint statement issued April 2, 2021, said: “We call on elected leaders in every state capitol and in Congress to work across the aisle and ensure that every eligible American has the freedom to easily cast their ballot and participate fully in our democracy.”
Southwest Airlines, in a media statement issued April 1, 2021, said: “We believe every voter should have a fair opportunity to let their voice be heard.”
Verizon, in a media statement issued on April 1, said: “We strongly oppose the passage of any legislation or the adoption of any measure that would make it harder for voters...to exercise their fundamental right to cast a ballot.”
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About Secure Democracy
Secure Democracy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to improve election integrity across the United States. We educate policymakers and the public about what it takes to safeguard our voting systems. We collaborate with state leaders, election administrators, election integrity experts, and allies to ensure that all eligible citizens have the freedom to vote how they choose.