Elections: How Employers Can Engage

Business leaders understand something many others don’t: decisions made at the ballot box shape the long-term trajectory of our economy, workforce, infrastructure, and business climate. That’s why civic participation matters.
 
At GNDC, we believe informed participation strengthens North Dakota’s future — and employers have an important role to play in helping employees understand the voting process and build a plan to vote. To support those efforts, GNDC has launched a dedicated Voter Education webpage designed to provide employers and employees with straightforward, nonpartisan voting information and tools.
 
HELP YOUR WORKFORCE BUILD A PLAN TO VOTE
Helping employees vote often comes down to logistics. Employers can support participation by helping employees think through the process ahead of Election Day and ensuring they have the time, information, and means to cast a ballot.

Encourage employees to:

• Confirm they have qualifying voter ID and understand voting requirements
• Decide how they will vote: absentee, early voting, or Election Day
• Review election deadlines and polling hours
• Verify polling locations before Election Day
• Plan for transportation, childcare, shift coverage, or scheduling needs in advance
• Research candidates and ballot measures before casting a ballot 

SUPPORT CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Employers can help encourage participation by:

• Providing flexibility or time off to vote
• Sharing voter education resources, election reminders, and key deadlines
• Helping employees understand voting requirements and available voting options
• Encouraging employees to make a voting plan ahead of Election Day
• Sharing candidate forums, ballot information, and issue resources relevant to North Dakota’s business climate and economy
• Communicating early voting and absentee ballot opportunities to help reduce scheduling barriers 

The Secretary of State’s office has developed a nonpartisan toolkit, which includes handouts, flyers, and “North Dakota Elections 101” videos that can be shared with employees and community members. 

Supporting civic participation does not mean advocating for a political outcome. It means encouraging informed engagement in decisions that impact North Dakota communities, industries, and economic competitiveness.
 
North Dakota’s business community has always played an active role in shaping the state’s future. Encouraging informed civic participation is one more way we can help strengthen our workforce, communities, and economy for the long term.