ReportCommittee for Economic Development (The Conference Board)

A Stable Democracy at 250: Trusted Elections as the Foundation Report

2026

https://www.conference-board.org/research/solutions-briefs/a-stable-democracy-at-250-trusted-elections-as-the-foundation

What It Is: A 2026 solutions brief explaining why free and fair elections matter for democracy and the economy, tracking recent trends in voter confidence and election administration, and offering recommendations and best practices across the business community, election administration, the conduct of elections, federal/state/local roles, and information integrity — paired with an accompanying Elections Toolkit.

Why It Matters: As the brief puts it, free and fair elections are "a cornerstone of US democracy," underpinning both political stability and economic strength — a secure, credible, and accessible electoral system builds the business confidence companies need to operate with trust in governance and engage in shaping policy. That stake is measurable: confidence that votes will be counted accurately has slipped to 60% ahead of the 2026 midterms, down from a post-2024 high of 77%.

How to Use It: The brief's recommendations distill to three actions for business leaders: proactively encourage employee and community voting in a nonpartisan way; support election administration by recruiting poll workers and offering flexible scheduling; and share trusted, official information to counter election-related mis- and disinformation. Use the accompanying Elections Toolkit to put these into practice ahead of the midterms.

Back to showcase

More Resources

Articles (121)

Books (16)

Reports (118)

Tools (22)

Videos (116)

Presentations (2)

Websites (22)

Items per page

361 – 380 of 418 results showing

ReportCenter for Political Accountability

CPA-Zicklin Framework for Corporate Political Spending

Center for Political Accountability, 2020

The CPA-Zicklin Framework provides suggested key practices that companies can adopt to help manage the risks associated with election-related political spending.

ReportNiskanen Center

Faster Growth, Fairer Growth

Brink Lindsey and Samuel Hammond, 2020

The authors of this report argue that regulatory capture, specifically in finance, health care and housing sectors, has created extensive roadblocks to achieving inclusive prosperity and advocate for a more dynamic high road economy built around equitable access to high quality services. (See pg 1-11)

ArticleHBR

Fixing U.S. Politics

Katherine Gehl and Michael Porter, 2020

Founder of the Institute for Political Innovation and a Harvard Professor teamed up to identify the most powerful levers for transformation in American politics. Most notably, an increasing call from corporate leaders to reconsider frameworks that allow businesses to be entrenched in politics.

ArticleECGI Working Paper Series in Law

For Whom Is the Corporation Managed in 2020?: The Debate over Corporate Purpose

Edward B. Rock, 2020

This paper revisits the longstanding debate over corporate purpose, examining tensions between shareholder primacy and stakeholder-oriented governance models, with a focus on legal, financial, managerial and political dimensions of this question.

In a thorough discussion of fiduciary duty, Rock argues that there are many misconceptions. For example, he states, "It is simply incorrect to claim that Delaware law requires directors to maximize the short term stock price when they believe that long term projects will be more valuable." Rock also points out that current debates over shareholder primacy arose due to the weakening of other vehicles -- such as legislation or tax policy -- for addressing society's or other stakeholders' interests.

ArticleCalifornia Management Review

Friedman @50: Is It Still the Social Responsibility of Business to Increase Profits?

Karthik Ramanna, 2020

This paper reflects on Friedman’s famous claim that American business should solely be driven to increase profits. Oxford Professor Karthik Ramanna homes in on the qualifying clause of Friedman’s argument—that markets need non-market institutions to safeguard the conditions for competition—and that if corporations have influence in shaping the market, then it is not free. The report argues that corporate influence on the political landscape has tilted in their favor, often at the expense of the public sphere.

ArticleNiskanen Center

Large Corporations Contributed to Our Political Polarization: Here’s How They Can Fix It

Mark Mizruchi, 2020

This report provides an expansive history that ties the corporate condition to various policy eras, and makes a case for private sector investment in public policy (and not just one-off, charitable CSR initiatives).

ReportEnergy Transition Commission

Making Mission Possible: Delivering a Net-Zero Economy

2020

Authored by the Energy Transitions Commission, representing a wide array of perspectives, this report proposes a pathway to a net-zero global economy by mid-century. Specifically, it outlines three priorities for the 2020s: scaling proven zero-carbon solutions, creating supportive policy and investment environments, and advancing next-generation technologies for hard-to-abate sectors. It emphasizes practical actions for governments, investors, and businesses and stresses global collaboration to meet climate targets.

ReportWorld Economic Forum

Measuring Stakeholder Capitalism: Towards Common Metrics and Consistent Reporting of Sustainable Value Creation

2020

A core set of 21 metrics created by the WEF, in partnership with a handful of multinational companies, to best align with the political, social and environmental considerations necessary for implementing stakeholder capitalism. 

ReportAmerican Academy of Arts & Sciences

Our Common Purpose: Reinventing American Democracy for the 21st Century

2020

Summarizes the results of a two-year bipartisan commission studying citizen concerns and how to revitalize democratic participation. Calls for a “fourth founding” of the United States, outlining six imperatives: achieve equal representation, empower voters, ensure political responsiveness, expand civil society, build civic information systems, and nurture a culture of commitment to democracy.

ReportWorld Business Council for Sustainable Development, Volans & EY

Reinventing Capitalism: A Transformation Agenda

2020

Highlights key factors required to refocus capitalism on long-term inclusive growth, including specific practices and policies that businesses should support. (See pg 5-13)

ReportCarnstone Partners Ltd

Responsible Lobbying Framework

2020

Provides a five-principle framework for responsible lobbying. Helpful for companies trying to orient themselves on their value/stance development in their corporate political activities as actions in the space come under increased scrutiny.

ArticleHBR

The Business Case for Saving Democracy

Rebecca Henderson, 2020

Henderson combines the public sentiment of distrust in corporate influence with evidence suggesting that free politics support free markets. She provides a strong case for businesses to fundamentally change their role from partisan players to supporters of the democratic process.

ReportBSR

The Business Role in Creating a 21st Century Social Contract

Cramer, et al, 2020

BSR’s report (71 pages in full, 9-page summary linked here) focuses on creating a new social contract in business, focused on ample collaboration between public and private entities, so that we can face future challenges at scale. This review highlights the opportunity areas specifically for businesses.

ArticleProMarket (Stigler Center, University of Chicago Booth School of Business)

What Stakeholder Capitalism Can Learn from Milton Friedman

Alex Edmans, 2020

This article reexamines Milton Friedman’s shareholder primacy argument, suggesting that stakeholder capitalism can incorporate market discipline and accountability principles without abandoning broader societal obligations. It argues that profit-seeking must operate within competitive markets and legal frameworks that preserve democratic legitimacy and prevent capture.

ArticleHBR

When Should Your Company Speak Out on a Social Issue?

Paul Argenti, 2020

Considers three critical questions companies must ask themselves when deciding to speak out or take a stance on an issue. Assessment is oriented around alignment, potential influence, and constituency agreement.

ReportHarvard Business School

A Recovery Squandered (Chapter 3: The Role of Business in Politics Today and Tomorrow)

Michael E. Porter, Jan W. Rivkin, Mihir A. Desai, Katherine M. Gehl, William R. Kerr, with Manjari Raman, 2019

While this report more broadly assesses America’s competitiveness, Chapter 3: The Role of Business in Politics Today and Tomorrow, identifies the role of business in political gridlock, and suggests potential solutions. (See pg 28-36)

ArticleThomson Reuters

Board Oversight of Corporate Political Activity and CEO Activism

Holly J. Gregory, 2019

This article emphasizes the importance of board oversight in managing corporate political engagement and CEO activism, stressing the need for clear policies to mitigate risks and align political actions with overall business strategy. It highlights growing shareholder expectations for accountability and the potential reputational and financial impacts of CEO public statements.

ArticleHarvard Law School

Fiduciary Blind Spot: The Failure of Institutional Investors to Prevent the Illegitimate Use of Working Americans’ Savings for Corporate Political Spending

Leo E. Strine, Jr., 2019

Researchers describe the “double legitimacy” problem. American workers need to invest portions of their income into mutual funds to have economic security, thus becoming Worker Investors. Corporations are unconstrained and can dip into these funds to support their political spending. This paper outlines the Big 4’s political power in resolving the double legitimacy problem, and how their refusal is supporting policies that go against the Worker Investor.

Article Harvard Kennedy School

For the Sake of Argument

Nora Delaney, 2019

This teaching resource promotes constructive disagreement and structured debate as tools for better public decision-making. It encourages leaders to engage with opposing perspectives thoughtfully, emphasizing intellectual humility, evidence-based reasoning, and respectful dialogue to improve policy and organizational outcomes.

ArticleNational Review

The Case for Common Good Capitalism

Marco Rubio, 2019

Contrasts common-good capitalism with the modern shareholder-dominated economy. Advocates for restoring balance by prioritizing worker benefits and economic fairness. Analyzes how large corporations have become beholden to shareholder and bank demands, reducing innovation and limiting financial opportunity for other stakeholders.

Share.

Do you have a resource to recommend for The CPR Hub? Please reach out and we will review it for future updates!

Contact Us

Receive Updates from The CPR Hub

Learn about new tools, insights and events to help you consider how CPR can help your company, clients or members.

Stay in the loop.