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Business for America remains cautiously optimistic that much-needed changes will be made to modernize the outdated Electoral Count Act of 1887 this year. 37 senators have now signed on as co-sponsors of S. 4573, the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act. A similar bill, H.R. 9973, the Presidential Election Reform Act introduced by Representatives Lofgren (D-CA) and Cheney (R-WY), has also passed in the House with nine Republicans voting yes. Passage of these reforms will help ensure public trust in our elections and the peaceful transition of power between presidential administrations.
Business for America is meeting with lawmakers to present the business case for passing this legislation. Please contact us to learn how your business can join our efforts by signing our letter to Congress or joining our conversations with offices on the Hill.
There is broad agreement that the law governing the counting of electoral votes — the Electoral Count Act of 1887 (ECA) — is vague, antiquated, and has dangerous flaws that invite uncertainty. These ambiguities have contributed to escalating attempts by both parties to challenge the results of presidential elections over the last 20+ years, culminating with the unsettling events of January 6.
Not only is the current ECA ambiguous and confusing — it puts our political and economic stability at risk. As a result, many Republican and Democratic members of Congress, scholars, and election experts are convinced that the law must be updated. Doing so will not confer an advantage to either political party.
The bipartisan legislation in both the Senate and House will address these issues and more to prevent a constitutional crisis in the future.
Please join Business for America and civic-minded businesses urging Congress to pass this legislation to reform the Electoral Count Act in 2022.
To learn more about why business should care about this legislation, read our blog post that captures our recent conversation with Collins and Manchin's offices and our view from a business perspective.
The following companies and business organizations have signed our business letter urging Congress to pass the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act.
"Civic engagement is vital for the health of our democracy. With expanded civics education in K-12 and higher education, this bill will equip new generations of Americans with a deeper understanding of their responsibilities as citizens and how to exercise their cherished rights."
- Senator Chris Coons (D-DE)
"The United States continues to be a model for the world because we are taught from a young age the merits of democracy, our Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the civic duties that are inherently part of being an American. This bill would help our schools inspire the next generation of public servants and teach all young Texans the value of freedom."
- Senator John Cornyn (R-TX)
“Over the last several decades, civics education in American schools has seen a significant decline. The divide in this country continues to grow as we neglect civics education and fail to build a nation adequately informed of our democratic principles, norms, and institutions. Now, more than ever, it is important that we work together, across the aisle to invest in our young leaders—to secure our democracy for future generations. This legislation does just that.”
- Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT)
"In order to preserve America’s unique form of governance, prioritizing access to civics and history education is key. As a former history teacher, I believe that lack of knowledge of America’s history is one of the greatest threats to preserving our republic and ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come. Indeed, when Americans have a deeper understanding of our nation’s history and founding principles, they become more engaged citizens, who participate in our government the way our Founding Fathers intended.”"
- Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK)
