Overview
Along with the resources at ConstructionVotes.com (also advocacy.agc.org/vote or by texting "AGCVOTES" to 52886), this information is designed to promote civic participation and good government by helping AGC member companies educate their employees about people and policies that impact their jobs and industry, and by providing tools that both you and they can use to effectively participate in the electoral process in a nonpartisan manner.
Research has revealed three basic facts:
- Four out of five employees want to hear from their employers about issues, candidates, and elections.
- When messages are delivered properly – employers are found to be a highly credible source of political information.
- Better educated employees become motivated participants in the political and public policy process – increasing voter turnout.
Now, AGC understands the reservations employers may have about discussing candidates, elections, and voting issues with employees. But, rest assured - nothing in these resources advises employees on how to vote. The following resources have been developed pursuant to Federal Election Commission regulations 11 CFR 114.1-114.4, which implement the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974, as amended.
Get-Out-the-Vote (GOTV) Activities
Our system of government has served as a model for democracies around the world. Even so, only about half of those eligible in the United States regularly use its most powerful tool: the right to vote. Translation? Only about half of us decide who will represent all of us.
Many fail to understand how critical each vote can be. Consider this: in the 2000 elections, fewer than 10,000 votes determined control of the entire U.S. government. That’s only about two votes per elected state or federal official! And in 2020, then-state Sen. Mariannette Miller-Meeks defeated former state Sen. Rita Hart by just six votes in the general election for Iowa's 2nd Congressional District.
Because the cornerstone of our system is a government of the people, increased voter participation can and will improve how that system performs for each of us. Employers are uniquely positioned (and legally allowed) to provide voter education to employees, shareholders, retirees, and their families, which account for a large portion of the U.S. population!
Providing voter information to your employees is easy, it’s rewarding and, since you talk to your employees every day, it’s timely. We are a nation made up of many voices—and on Election Day, every voice counts.
Remember, there is no limit on the amount of company resources you can devote to the activities described here. There is also no reporting requirement when your efforts are not specific to a candidate or party.
Here are three areas where you can make the most impact.
(Click each activity for more information and downloadable resources.)
- Encourage employees to register to vote.
- Provide employees with early voting information.
- Get employees to the polls.
Educating Employees About Candidates & Issues
Understanding a candidate’s stance on important issues as well as understanding the particulars of a ballot initiative/referendum gives a voter the confidence to make an informed decision. If people choose to vote—then exit the polls feeling good about whom or what they’ve voted for—they are more likely to participate in future elections.
No one wants to go to the polls only vaguely informed about the candidates and issues. That may be why only about half of our eligible citizens exercise their right to vote. Lack of knowledge leads to lack of voting.
So, where do we get good information? How do we sort through the daily deluge from candidates, parties, news organizations, and others? Whom do we rely on for an expert opinion?
Since employers are the most trusted source for this kind of information that makes the workplace an ideal setting for voter education!
The case is clear: AGC members have the credibility AND opportunity to educate and motivate employees so they can make informed choices at the polls.
Here are three areas where you can make the most impact.
(Click each activity for more information and downloadable resources.)