Stay Calm, Let’s Count Every Vote

It is of extreme relevance to our economy that we protect our democratic right, not only to have the ability to vote, but also to make sure every vote is counted. As a business person who believes in free markets and entrepreneurship, I know that one of the reasons the United States is a great place for growing and doing business is because of its strong democracy and rule of law. Our economy rests on the fact that through democracy and during elections, all citizens have the right to participate and everyone’s vote counts. As President Abraham Lincoln said, “Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision.” The trust in this democratic process sets the United States apart from many other countries in the world. This differentiation is key for our economic growth.

With that in mind, my call to you today is to remember that this is an important election and we need to stay calm and let our democratic process work. Today, I’d like to ask first, members of the media who play a critical role in our democracy, to take caution to use their voices responsibly and avoid calling the election before every vote is counted. Second, I also encourage every elected official to commit to counting every vote. Finally, to my fellow business leaders, I ask you to join me in promoting patience, civility, security, and accurate information for employees and our communities to help uphold the rule of law.

This election, just like nearly everything in 2020, will be unlike any in our nation’s history. Why? Because we’re in the midst of a pandemic that has caused immeasurable hardship for Americans. Even though the way we vote may look different in 2020, we can’t let COVID-19 threaten the integrity of our election. Let us be mindful that voting by mail is not new. It has always been a part of our democratic process during elections. What’s different this year, is that the number of mail in ballots will be higher due to the pandemic. That doesn’t mean that the democratic process will change, we just need to acknowledge that it will take more time to count the votes and let it work.

I’ve learned that due to this pandemic, the proportion of mail in ballots will be significantly higher this election cycle than in 2016. In fact, a total of 33 million ballots were cast by mail in 2016, and there have already been 52 million cast in 2020. Rules on how to count these ballots vary by state. Therefore, one of the biggest differences in this election is that there may not be a clear winner on election night because it will take more time for all of the mail in ballots to be counted. It is natural to feel anxious and be ready to hear the results and move on, but we must remain CALM and to let our democratic process work.

The United States strong democratic process and how this fuels its economy, is one of the reasons I decided to move to the United States and develop my business career here. I moved from Mexico in 1998 and became an American citizen in 2016. This is the second election I’ve exercised my right to vote which I don’t take for granted.

Everyone in our community who casts a ballot deserves to have their vote counted. Whether a vote is cast at an early voting location, in the mail from a military base or from the home of an individual avoiding COVID-19 exposure, or on Election Day at a local polling place, Americans must have confidence that their vote will be counted. Protecting our process is key not only for this election, but for future ones as well.

This requires that all of us business leaders are patient. It’s of extreme relevance that news outlets and officials be also cautious, patient, and thorough in their reporting of the results.

For a large portion of Hispanics and Floridians, this pandemic has been destructive. Despite the risks, many of our local businesses have stayed open through the pandemic to provide food, healthcare, and other essential services. Like you and me, all of these people are working hard to provide a better life for their families, to fulfill their American dream. As business leaders, elected officials, community leaders or media representatives, we have the responsibility to stand up for all these families and workers, protect our democracy and every single person’s right to vote.

The alternative — election results that are inaccurately or prematurely reported — would pose significant risks to business and markets in an already fragile economic environment.

The difficulties we face in this year’s election may seem daunting, but they are not unprecedented. Americans have voted during challenging times before, from pandemics to wars.

Myself and other business leaders are committed to ensuring all Americans are able to make their voices heard. Free and fair elections depend on all of us, and I am proud to be doing my part to enable civic engagement.

There is a saying, “hay más tiempo que vida.” There’s more time than life… and with time, everything can be achieved. This year, our democracy requires patience and protecting our democratic process. Voting is one of the most important rights in this nation, and we must ensure that every citizen has the ability to vote and that every single vote is counted.

Laura I Maydón is co-founder, business leader, investor and board member. She has an M.B.A from Harvard Business School and a B.S in Economics from I.T.A.M in Mexico City (Summa Cum Laude). She is the mother of 3 amazing girls and lives in Miami with her husband.