Culver City City Council unanimously passed a resolution on Monday Oct. 26, 2026 endorsing the Business for Democracy pledge – a move that calls for corporations to share information with their employees about their voting rights; oppose efforts that would block voters from casting their ballots; and oppose any efforts to prevent proper vote counts or seating of elected candidates after the election.
The resolution, which was part of the consent calendar, had strong support from both city staff and council members.
This decision comes just a few weeks after voters, allies, business owners, and community members from Culver City and nearby communities marched through the city, calling on Sony, Amazon, and other billion-dollar corporations to support voters, protect voting access, and publicly defend the upcoming November election.
City staff will be transmitting the resolution to all businesses licensed in Culver City, which includes Amazon, Target, and Chase, and dozens of other national corporations that are based or located in the city.
“We are glad to have the city’s support for such an important measure that gives businesses the opportunity to publicly demonstrate that they care about their employees and our city and therefore support fair elections,” said Phil Ansell of Culver City and Friends Rising. “It’s not about taking sides, it’s about ensuring that registered voters can cast their ballots, and have them counted. This is a moment to defend our democracy, and I’m proud that our city stepped up.”
“As a resident of Culver City since 1984, and a former Culver City Planning Commissioner, I have always been proud of Culver City’s care for its citizens and the democratic process,” said Sheila Thomas of Keep Showing Up Culver City. “We need the solidarity of support to ensure the accurate counting of lawful votes, respect for election results, and the seating of duly elected representatives. We are grateful to the Culver City Council for affirming its support for free and democratic elections. We the people need the support of our institutions, including governments and businesses, to protect and maintain the right of eligible voters to cast their ballots.”
Local clergy was also in favor. “This resolution speaks to the good faith that our City Council has in businesses to do what is right and to support transparent, fair elections,” said Reverend Dr. Frances Wattman Rosenau, Pastor at Culver City Presbyterian Church. “This is a moment for corporations to stand on the right side of history and really put into action their stated values and beliefs.”
A healthy democracy allows our businesses to thrive,” said Vice Mayor Bubba Fish. “The Culver City residents who are advocating for this pledge are asking the businesses in our community to speak out against attempts to undermine free and fair elections and help protect the democracy that has allowed them to succeed.”
Erin Williams
