We’re all about using your voice here at Levi Strauss & Co. – and there’s no better way to make yourself heard than casting your vote for the candidates and causes you care about.
As we gear up for Election 2020 in the U.S. – where citizens will have the opportunity to elect local representatives, vote on ballot measures impacting their community and cast their vote for the president of the United States – Levi Strauss & Co. is once again committed to encouraging employees, consumers and the business community to embrace the hard-won right and responsibility to vote.
Throughout the year we will empower employees and our communities in the U.S. to get registered, get educated on the issues, get involved– and of course, get out and vote. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:
Engaging our employees: We’re making sure our employees have the time and the tools they need to participate in this election. We are once again teaming up with the nonpartisan nonprofit Rock the Vote to help our employees get registered and learn more about the election process in their state. Across the country, employees will have opportunities to volunteer in voter engagement efforts in their communities, get educated on down ballot initiatives and support endeavors of nonprofit partners to get-out-the-vote in communities where voter turnout is low.
Reaching out to consumers: The Levi’s® brand is once again connecting with consumers to help get out the vote. Its vote-themed TV spot featuring Aretha Franklin’s “Think” is back on the airwaves has and the brand is partnering with VICE media on a new docu-series exploring how youth are using their voices to push for change – check out the first episode now featuring actress and voter rights activist Yara Shahidi. Check back for more details on how Levi’s® is encouraging consumers to use their voice throughout the year.
Making Time to Vote: The U.S. has one of the lowest voter turnout rates among developed countries – and not having enough time is one of the top reasons Americans give for skipping the polls. That’s why in 2018, we teamed up with Patagonia to encourage companies to give their employees time off on election day through the Time to Vote coalition. This year, we are reigniting our efforts, looking to double business membership and break down obstacles before employees by ensuring they have the time to vote and the opportunities to take the time to learn what’s on the ballot. Voter turnout rates were up in the 2018 midterm elections, but we’re not stopping there – everyone deserves the time they need to cast their ballot.
Supporting our Communities: Voting can be complicated. To help ensure everyone has fair access to the polls, we will be supporting nonprofits across the U.S. that are working to get out the vote among low propensity voters. In addition to our corporate support, the Levi Strauss Foundation is investing more than $1 million in voting rights and engagement this year, particularly focused on marginalized and disenfranchised communities.
We’ll be sharing out these stories and ways to engage with these organizations throughout the year.
