Hundreds of business leaders signed a letter on Wednesday condemning efforts across the country to restrict voting rights in response to a number of GOP-led bills after Republicans urged companies to stay out of politics.
The New York Times reports that the letter, which will appear in advertisements in the Times and The Washington Post, was signed by executives of major brands, including Google, Amazon, Netflix and Starbucks, and is intended as a non-partisan expression of support for voting rights.
“It should be clear that there is overwhelming support in corporate America for the principle of voting rights,” Kenneth Chenault, organizer of the letter and former CEO of American Express, told Times.
The statement also does not mention specific bills, to enable businesses to take specific political positions against individual legislation.
“We are not prescriptive,” Chenault added to the Times. “There is no one’s answer.”
Several companies that have recently spoken out against newly enacted laws in Georgia, including Coca-Cola and Home Depot, did not sign the letters, which come after the Republican backlash condemned statements about Georgia’s new restrictions on trademarks in the state is seated.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Addison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnell McConnell wants to end feud with Trump Senate GOP signal that they will not filter the debate on the hate crimes bill, Colin Powell on Afghanistan: ‘We have done everything we can do’ MORE (R-Ky.) Called on corporations to remain politically neutral and said last week: “My warning to the US Chamber of Commerce is to stay out of politics.”
In a statement to the Times regarding the letter, a Home Depot spokesman said that “the best way to proceed is to underline our belief that all elections should be accessible, fair and safe.”
A spokesman for JP Morgan Chase, who also did not sign the letter, added to the Times: “Last month we made our own strong statement in public about the critical importance that every citizen can exercise their fundamental right to vote. “
Republicans in many states are considering voting restrictions, including banning the supply of food and drink to those standing in line, and reducing access to the ballot box. Democrats and voting experts have accused the party of electing minority voters who vote for Democrats in greater numbers, with restrictions on discouraging people from running in elections.
President Biden
Joe BidenIRS to make payments for 000 child tax credits in July. Capitol police said they should not use the most aggressive tactics in riotous response. According to BID, the first lady accompanies to the appointment for ‘general medical procedure’ MORE participated in the critique, referring to new laws passed in Georgia as ‘Jim Crow in the 21st Century’ last month.