Election 2026: Making Our Industry’s Voice Count

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ASA members have something few industries can claim: a national association that represents every segment of the supply chain. That reach gives us a powerful opportunity to shape the legislative, regulatory, and code decisions affecting our businesses, employees, and communities.

Across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, more than 350,000 professionals make up the ASA community. When that community speaks with one voice, policymakers listen. But influence does not come from scale alone. It comes from informed, visible, and sustained participation.

Voter participation is essential to a healthy democracy. Employers can encourage workers to register, learn about the issues, and vote for candidates whose policies align with their own priorities, their communities, and the long-term strength of our industry. By promoting informed and respectful civic engagement, without directing anyone how to vote, member companies can help move the conversation beyond partisan noise and support more practical, effective public policy.

Building a stronger advocacy culture starts inside every company. Here are four ways members can help turn ASA’s reach into meaningful influence:

• Connect policy to the business: Explain how tax, trade, workplace safety, transportation, workforce, regulatory, and code decisions affect costs, investment, jobs, and growth.
• Keep employees informed: Share concise, factual updates and practical opportunities to contact policymakers, attend events, or participate in grassroots efforts.
• Bring policymakers into the workplace: Invite elected officials and candidates from both parties to tour facilities, meet employees, and see firsthand how policy decisions affect operations.
• Speak through ASA: Share business examples and reinforce the industry’s priorities so ASA can carry a clear, unified message to decisionmakers.

Our industry’s influence will be measured not only by how many people we represent, but by how consistently and effectively we participate. Staying informed, engaging employees, welcoming policymakers into our workplaces, and sharing real-world business impacts with ASA all strengthen our collective voice.

As the 2026 elections approach, every member company has an opportunity to help build a culture of civic participation grounded in facts, respect, and engagement. Small, sustained actions across hundreds of companies can create a powerful national presence - one that helps policymakers understand our industry, recognize its economic impact, and consider its priorities when decisions are made. By working together through ASA, we can turn our shared reach into lasting influence and ensure that our industry’s voice counts before, during, and after Election Day.

By Steve Rossi