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As the weather and leaves make their seasonal transformation, let us look towards another important day of change coming this fall. On November 8, voters across the state and, in turn, across the country will turn out en masse to elect new representatives for their districts.

 

Here in Champaign County, the intersection point of 22 separate county, state and national districts in Illinois, there is plenty that local businesses can do to ensure that civic engagement is at an all-time high. Community and civic engagement are not only defined by the willingness of individuals to try and engage others in meaningful change it is defined by that community’s response to the act. By spearheading local movements and becoming a leader in community engagement, the positives are nearly endless.

 

Already there are examples of businesses large and small setting the example by fronting voter participation efforts. On August 17, 2022 the NBA announced that it would not be scheduling any games on November 8, the day of the 2022 Midterm elections in an effort to encourage fans to get out and vote. While the NBA may enjoy a level of brand recognition shared by few others, the effort put for by an organization of such magnitude only further highlights the need, nationally and locally, for

increased voter participation.

 

If you are struggling to find a place to start such a drive the Champaign Chamber of Commerce is an excellent place to start. The Chamber will be able to strategize with your business on how best to launch such a campaign as well as register employees to vote thanks to deputy voter registrar and director of public policy Madeline Herrman.

 

In 2018, the last year in which a Midterm was contested, and there wasn't also a presidential election, the turnout rate in Champaign County was 64 percent, or the national average for presidential elections. While it is a significant turnout rate in its own right, that number swelled to 75 percent during the 2020 Presidential election. Nine percent higher than the national turnout rate for the same election.  Maintaining high voter turnout is something that all in the community can be proud of, and by encouraging customers and employees to vote, business owners can create true change in a community’s civic habits.  

 

In turn, the Midterms are also a time when vital local elections are held. The policymakers on the local level are the individuals who help shape and mold our community. These local officials are responsible for setting and enforcing local government revenue sources such as sales and property taxes. Through their decisions they directly influence the way every local business operates and mold the future for the local business community.

 

By supporting local elections, businesses can help customers and employees to see the importance of national and local elections while supporting the future of your local business. While there are infinite ways that a local business can show its support for local elections, community engagement efforts such as the organization of voter registration drives are a great way to encourage customers and employees to exercise civic rights. Through increasing local interest in elections, businesses can build brand recognition across the area and increase the amount of positive feedback it receives through local civic engagement.

 

Shaping our community's future is good for residents in local elections and your business as well. A community that engages together is stronger for it and thus more prepared for the future.