Nine of Ten Small Business Owners Plan to Vote in Congressional Elections

Small business owners are actively engaged in the political process with nearly 90 percent planning on voting in the upcoming congressional elections, and nearly 70 percent believing the 2006 Congressional elections will directly affect their businesses. These findings come from the Wells Fargo/Gallup Small Business Index, a survey of nationwide business owners conducted by The Gallup Organization and sponsored by Wells Fargo, the nation’s top lender to small business owners.

What issues are likely to affect how small business owners vote? Domestic issues are top of mind: energy prices (69 percent), healthcare coverage (68 percent) and the overall economy (67 percent).

“A successful small business and a thriving economy go hand-in-hand,” said Bob Michaelian, co-founder and chief financial officer of Townsend Assets Group in San Francisco. “I believe Congressional decisions have a huge effect on today’s economy. As a small business owner, I have a responsibility to make sure issues affecting the success of my business are heard and addressed. If I don’t speak up on behalf of my business, who will?”

“Small business is hugely influential — both in shaping the U.S. economy and even, potentially, the overall political landscape. If 90 percent of small business owners plan to vote, that’s over 20 million voices having a say in the upcoming Congressional elections,” said Rebecca Macieira-Kaufmann, executive vice president and head of Wells Fargo’s Small Business segment. “The survey results demonstrate that small business owners participate in the political process to promote and enhance a favorable business climate.”