New Data Reveals Consumers Want Businesses to be Active in Protecting America's Democracy.

A new poll, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Public Private Strategies Institute,  finds that consumers are deeply concerned about the state of democracy and strongly support action by businesses to protect democratic institutions.

Consumers are deeply concerned with the state of American democracy:

• 84% of consumers express concerns about the state of democracy in the U.S., with 86% of Democrats and 82% of Republicans sharing this concern.

Consumers believe businesses have a responsibility to act to protect democracy:

• 76% believe businesses should ensure safe and fair elections.
• 72% support businesses speaking out publicly about threats to democracy.
• 67% want businesses to influence federal policies related to democracy.
• 69% expect businesses to take action at the state level.

Consumers support concrete actions by businesses to support democracy, including shifting advertising and donation dollars to support democratic ideals:

• 81% support businesses promoting employee civic education.
• 75% agree employees should have time off for political engagement.
• 74% support businesses publicly endorsing democratic principles.

"These findings make it clear that a thriving democracy is not just a political concern, but an economic imperative. This data should be a wake-up call for businesses as we approach the 2024 elections.

Consumers believe that businesses have a duty to ensure fair elections and protect democratic institutions, and businesses need to act accordingly."

— RHETT BUTTLE

President of Public Private Strategies Institute

Methodology:

The survey, conducted from December 29, 2023, to January 03, 2024, gathered responses from a national sample of 2,574 adults (referred to as consumers). Interviews were conducted online, and the data was carefully weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, and region. Notably, the percentages presented reflect those who expressed an opinion, as responses of "do not know" or "no opinion" were not included. The survey results have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points, providing a robust snapshot of consumer sentiments regarding business involvement in safeguarding democracy.