Dairy companies employ nearly one million Americans across the United States. Some dairy professionals have already voted in the 2018 midterm elections and many are planning to cast their ballots on Election Day, Nov. 6.

In the 2014 midterm elections, roughly 60 percent of voting-eligible Americans did not vote. IDFA encourages its member companies to take an active role in helping get employees to the polls.

“By mobilizing industry professionals and encouraging them to vote, we can elect legislators who will work with the dairy industry to achieve our policy goals,” said Colin Newman, IDFA manager of legislative affairs and political programs.

What’s at Stake?

While 2018 is not a presidential election year, there are many significant races coming up at the federal, state and local level. These include races for:

  • One-third of all U.S. senators;
  • All 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives;
  • 36 state governors; and
  • Three U.S. territory governors.

These upcoming elections will determine which party will hold power in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.

What You Can Do

Here a few steps dairy company employers can take to promote voting:

  • Send a message to employees alerting them of the election date and the company’s policy on voting;
  • Encourage employees who will be traveling to register for absentee voting or to participate in early voting;
  • Send a reminder to employees the night before Election Day;
  • Post the election date and company policy in breakrooms and shared spaces; and
  • Vote on Nov. 6.

Election Resources

IDFA encourages members to use the election resources below and on the Dairy Counts platform, IDFA’s political involvement campaign. Visit www.dairycounts.org for more information.

Members with questions may contact Newman at (202) 220-3518 or cnewman@idfa.org.