Big Businesses Must Choose: Support The U.S. Chamber Or Support Voting Rights For All Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, government watchdog Accountable.US called on members and affiliates of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce who signed on to the New York Times advertisement opposing strict voting rights limits to disassociate from the organization in light of the Chamber’s recent opposition to the For The People Act — a House-passed bill that would protect an individual’s right to vote. The news comes amidst a wide range of voter suppression efforts attempting to disenfranchise predominantly Black and Brown voters across the country.

Following the voter suppression laws being considered by state legislatures in Georgia, Arizona, Florida, Texas, and elsewhere, hundreds of company executives joined together to oppose “any discriminatory legislation or measures that restrict or prevent any eligible voter from having an equal and fair opportunity to cast a ballot.” The Chamber notably did not join these businesses, and instead, urged lawmakers to oppose legislation that would protect voters against these attacks on voting rights. 

“By ignoring the U.S. Chamber’s opposition to a bill that protects an essential right in our democracy, these executives are violating their commitment and siding against the millions of Americans — including many of their own employees — fighting racist voter suppression tactics,” said Kyle Herrig, president of Accountable.US. “If they truly believe in protecting one of our most fundamental constitutional rights, they have no choice but to cut ties with the Chamber.” 

An Accountable.US review of Chamber membership and affiliates found 25 companies or their leaders who signed on to the New York Times advertisement. The watchdog sent letters today urging withdrawal from the Chamber to the companies and organizations that pledged to disavow any attacks on voting rights, including Google, Microsoft, Target, Facebook, Uber, and more. See the full list below and read the group’s letter to Target here.

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