The Practicalities of Participation

Welcome back to the working week. I hope your 4th of July weekend was filled with as much food, friends, family, and festivities as you could fit on your fireworks watching quilt.

Last week, I spent a lot of time thinking (and writing) about civic engagement. Thanks for joining me in that. It was a great discussion!

In review - businesses that actively participate in their communities build stronger relationships, foster loyalty, and enhance their brand reputation.  

With the Presidential debate (apologies in advance) still top of mind for many, and the deadline in Arkansas to file signatures for ballot measures expiring, elections and voting crept into conversations this weekend.

FWIW - Arkansas is constantly last in the nation for voter turnout.

Could that impact your business or the non-profit organization you’re charged with leading? 

Disclaimer: I know that thinking about elections and voting is a drag. I can hear the collective, bi-partisan sigh rising. Statistics don’t exactly juice this topic. So, I ask that you stay with me in a good faith understanding that this is important to your organization and your community.

I’m not a numbers guy. I’m pretty sure the statistics class I took in college does not qualify me as a data scientist. But, I really like seeing the relationship between stuff! So, I lightly dug in and cross-referenced state gap rankings, educational attainment, health outcomes, median household income (HHI), and voter turnout.  

Spoiler - if neighbors, customers, and employees that are more skilled, live longer, and lead healthier lives are important to you …then, yeah, investing in improving voter turnout is economic development.

Data Points:

• State Gap Rankings: This may include income inequality, wealth gaps, or other socio-economic disparities.

• Educational Attainment: Percentage of the population with high school diplomas, bachelor's degrees, etc.

• Health Outcomes: Metrics like life expectancy, prevalence of chronic diseases, etc.

• Median Household Income (HHI): Median income of households in each state.

• Voter Turnout: Percentage of eligible voters who participated in elections.

Sources:

• State Gap Rankings: U.S. Census Bureau or economic research organizations.

• Educational Attainment: Data from the U.S. Census Bureau or the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

• Health Outcomes: Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Median Household Income: U.S. Census Bureau.

• Voter Turnout: U.S. Election Assistance Commission or state election boards.

Positive Economic Outcomes

1. Better Representation and Policy Making:

   • Higher voter turnout ensures a more representative government.

   • Inclusive policies can address income inequality, education, and healthcare.

2. Improved Public Services:

   • Increased voter engagement can lead to greater demand for accountability and efficiency in public services.

   • Better public services, such as education and healthcare supports workforce productivity.

3. Economic Stability:

   • Higher voter turnout can contribute to political stability, which makes money happy (economic growth.)

   • Political stability reduces uncertainty which is better for business operations and economic planning.

4. Social Cohesion:

   • Increased participation enhances social cohesion and trust in institutions.

   • Societies with high social cohesion experience lower levels of crime and higher levels of economic collaboration and innovation.

Earn More: By promoting policies that reduce income inequality.

Learn More: By supporting policies that invest in education, leading to a more skilled workforce.

Live Well: By endorsing policies that improve healthcare, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing healthcare costs.

For-Profit Playbook

Businesses can support civic participation without choosing a political side.

1. Paid Time Off to Vote: This ensures that all employees have the opportunity to participate in the election without worrying about missing work or losing pay.

2. Voter Registration Drives: These events can provide information and assistance to employees and local residents on how to register to vote.

3. Voting Reminders and Resources: Use company communication channels to remind employees and customers about upcoming election dates and provide non-partisan resources on how to vote and what to expect at the polls.

Non-Profit Playbook

Non-profits can play a crucial role without engaging in political advocacy.

1. Community Outreach and Education: Organize voter education programs in the community to inform people about the importance of voting, how to register, and what they need to know about the voting process.

2. Voter Registration Events: Hold non-partisan voter registration drives at community centers, schools, and events.

3. Collaborate with Other Organizations: Partner with local businesses, religious institutions, and other non-profits to amplify voter turnout efforts.