Our latest Pulse on America survey polled American consumers and employees on the role of business in national elections. The findings shine a light on the shifting landscape of public opinion at the intersection of business and politics amid fears of a tumultuous 2024 election.

Concerns around the state of democracy drive heightened expectations for business. Most Americans across political parties say they fear this election will undermine American democracy and the rule of law (59%). An identical percentage believe this election is a sharp fork in the road between democracy and authoritarianism.

Across political parties and ideological lines, many say that business can and should serve as a stabilizing force: 

• Over two-thirds of both consumers and employees (69%) agree that American businesses must take a stand to protect democracy. 

• More than three-quarters (78% consumers, 77% employees) agree businesses should encourage a free and fair election, and a peaceful transfer of power.

But tension exists: American consumers and employees continue to expect businesses to be politically neutral.

As in the March 2024 Pulse on America poll, an overwhelming majority of American consumers and employees expect neutrality from business this election cycle, with three-quarters (75% consumers, 74% employees) saying business should keep the workplace politically neutral.

Employees report that business leaders largely have not implemented the policies and guidelines employees recommend: just 28% say that their employers have taken steps to keep the workplace politically neutral. And in workplaces with policies intended to maintain civility, most employers are not disciplining employees for crossing their guidelines or rules.

Explore the July 2024 Pulse on America survey findings here.