NFIB’s “One Member, One Vote” policy means that small business owners of all sizes can have their voices heard on the issues that are most important to them.
NFIB’s member ballot system has been the same constant and foundational element of our work for more than 75 years. Unique among business associations and other groups, the lobbying positions NFIB takes in state capitals as well as Washington D.C. are based on what its small-business-owning members say are important to their ability to own, operate, and grow their businesses.
Our policy is One Member, One Vote: every member gets one vote on the issues, with no exceptions. This democratic system ensures that the voices of all small businesses are heard on the issues that matter to them. NFIB members typically vote on key issues in four ballots each year on the federal and state policy positions NFIB should take.
The next ballot to go out will be a 2022 state issues ballot. If you’re an NFIB member, you either will receive or have already received an email and/or post card with information on completing your state’s ballot in December 2021 or January 2022 and we encourage you to take the opportunity to vote on the state-specific issue positions you align with. Some issues that may appear on your state’s ballot include natural gas ordinances, extended producer responsibility recycling programs, electric vehicle infrastructure, minimum wage, and more.
The ballot question issue will have a paragraph of background, as well as arguments for and against the proposed action. On each issue, small business owners can vote “yes”, “no”, or “undecided”. When a position gains significant majority support, then that state’s advocacy team makes it a high priority.
NFIB is committed to holding lawmakers accountable and encouraging them to put the needs of small business owners first in state capitals across the country.
NFIB’s ballots are only available to NFIB members. If you aren’t an NFIB member, join today to receive your state’s ballot when it launches in December or January. The NFIB membership sign-up process takes only a few minutes and filling out the ballot takes just a few minutes more – but it will shape NFIB’s efforts and impact for months to come.
Interested in learning more on how NFIB advocates for small business? Watch our brief explainer video here.
