Executives at major American companies have signed a new statement condemning the passing of laws that would limit people's voting rights.
The statement published Thursday also calls on lawmakers to veto such laws and to protect every American's "most basic and fundamental right."
Signatories of the statement included executives from companies such as Google, Amazon, Starbucks, Facebook, BlackRock, and Berkshire Hathaway. The statement was also published as a double-page ad in the New York Times. Michael Bloomberg and other prominent business figures also signed the statement as individuals.
"We all should feel a responsibility to defend the right to vote and 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 statement reads.
The publication of the statement is the latest united backlash against the Republic-led efforts to limit voting rights since former president Donald Trump made unfounded accusations of voter fraud during the last presidential elections.
Last month, lawmakers in Georgia passed a new law that required voters to provide an identification card when requesting an absentee ballot. The law also limited drop boxes from being used, among other voting restrictions.
Political experts said the publication of the statement underscored the growing friction between Corporate America and the Republican Party. Historically, the priorities of both parties were mostly in synch but that has apparently changed with the GOP's efforts to limit voting rights.
The statement stopped short of announcing any specific actions to force the veto of such laws. Analysts said signatories of the statement could very well force the GOP's hand by halting donations to candidates supporting the restrictions or even pausing investments in states that pass such proposals.
"The freedom to vote is a huge priority for the public, consumers, and employees. Businesses are leading because they have their fingers on the pulse of their key stakeholders and they know that the freedom to vote and health of democracy is a top priority," Mike Ward, the co-founder of the Civic Alliance - which was listed as a supporter in the statement - said in a previous interview.
Several major corporations were absent from the list of companies that signed the statement. This includes major companies such as McDonald's, Pepsi, and Walmart.
