Secretary of State, Detroit Regional Chamber and business leaders launch new coalition to support safe and secure elections

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (WLUC) – Wednesday, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was joined by Detroit Regional Chamber CEO Sandy Baruah and Michigan business leaders to launch a new collaboration supporting safe and secure elections in Michigan.

Participants discussed the collaboration on Wednesday at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference.

According to the State Department, Michigan Business United for Elections is a nonpartisan, diverse coalition of business leaders from all over the state committed to engaging and informing Michigan voters in the 2024 election cycle.

“I’m proud to announce a partnership with the Detroit Regional Chamber, rallying business leaders as trusted voices to make sure Michigan voters can easily vote and have confidence in our elections in 2024,” Secretary Benson said. “A civically engaged business community is the key to a strong and healthy democracy. And a strong, healthy democracy is necessary for a thriving economy, like the one we’re growing in Michigan today and building for the future. Today is just the beginning – we’re inviting all Michigan business leaders to step up and join us.”

“The stability of our society and the strength of our democracy is necessary for businesses and their employees to thrive,” said Sandy K. Baruah, president and chief executive officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber. “The Chamber has been a staunch defender of democracy and is proud to partner with Secretary of State Benson on this initiative. As trusted voices in our community, businesses have an important role to play in supporting democracy and encouraging their employees to participate in the 2024 election regardless of whom they vote for.”

Michigan Business United for Elections partners say they have committed to three things in 2024:

• Ensure employees have time off to vote during the early voting period or on Election Day.
• Promote nonpartisan voter education information, including how to register, and the options Michigan voters have to cast ballots.
• Encourage employees to serve as poll workers during the August Primary Election and November General Election.

Secretary Benson and the coalition members want to invite all Michigan business leaders to join their work to support safe and secure elections. You can learn more about the collaboration effort here.

For information about Michigan’s elections, click here.

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