SHRM ELECTION RESOURCES

Americans voted in the 2020 presidential election, congressional races in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, and various state and local-level elections. These elections will shape the future of workplace policy.

Now more than ever, the voice of HR must be heard.

SHRM’s Latest Election News

SHRM Election Series Report

On the heels of the 2020 election, SHRM released new research that examined the workplace policy issues most important to working Americans who are registered to vote, as well as which of these issues they see as a priority for the new administration.

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What's Ahead for Health Care Under Biden?

In setting the direction for health care policy, President-elect Joe Biden will be building on the framework of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which was enacted a decade ago while Biden served as President Barack Obama’s vice president.

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Biden Proposals Could Alter Retirement Plan Landscape

An incoming administration headed by President-elect Joe Biden is expected to differ from President Donald Trump’s approach to regulating employer-sponsored retirement plans.

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Biden Vows to Roll Back Trump’s Immigration Policies

President-elect Joe Biden’s plans for employment-based immigration will primarily be reversing what President Donald Trump has done since 2017: turning back the president’s executive actions that restricted travel, limited green cards and guest worker programs, and eliminated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

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Biden Likely to Ramp Up Pay-Equity Fight

On the campaign trail, President-elect Joe Biden made addressing gender-based pay inequality a key plank of his outreach to women. Read more about some of the legislative and regulatory actions his administration is expected to support.

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Will a Biden Administration Push to Expand Paid-Leave Benefits?

Federal coronavirus-related paid-leave benefits are set to expire at the end of the year, and if those benefits aren’t extended, some workers may be left without coverage as the pandemic persists through the winter months.

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Biden Plans to Ban Noncompete, No-Poaching Clauses

President-elect Joe Biden has indicated that his administration will be more aggressive in minimizing employers’ use of noncompetition clauses in employment contracts and institute an outright ban on no-poaching agreements.

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Biden Seeks to Strengthen Registered Apprenticeship Program, Modernize Workforce Training

Investing in apprenticeships is on the to-do list of President-elect Joe Biden, who has said he wants to put $50 billion into workforce training by creating partnerships among community colleges; businesses; unions; universities and high schools; and state, local and tribal governments.

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How a New Administration May Impact HR

Given the election results, analysts expect the new Democratic administration will attempt to change many of those regulations, despite the ongoing pandemic. However, change may be difficult given that the Senate may continue to be led by a Republican majority pending run-off elections in Georgia in January.

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SHRM Stands Ready to Partner with Biden Administration

SHRM offers its congratulations to President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. We stand ready to work with the new administration, the new Congress and other key stakeholders on policies and programs that promote better workplaces and employment opportunities for all.

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How to Support employees after the election

Employees are dreading going to work on Nov. 4, with half saying if their candidate loses this election, it will impact their performance at work. Nearly a third felt that office politics would make it difficult to go to work. This election season, more than any other, HR professionals must focus on how to support employees and guide conversations to prevent explosive interactions and de-escalate disputes.

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Viewpoint: How to Talk Politics at work

When President Trump called out Goodyear Tire in a tweet, “canceling” the company for not allowing employees to wear “Make America Great Again” hats, CEO Rich Kramer was no doubt surprised. “To be clear,” Kramer tweeted soon after, “Goodyear does not endorse any political organization, party or candidate. We have a longstanding company policy that asks associates to refrain from workplace expressions in support of any candidate or political party.”

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California voters approve gig drivers' independent-contractor status

California voters passed Proposition 22, which will allow gig-economy companies such as Uber and Lyft to classify app-based drivers as independent contractors, despite a strict new law that a court said made such drivers employees.

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Voters Weigh In on Workplace issues

Voters have approved ballot measures that will impact the workplace in several states by raising the minimum wage, establishing a statewide program for paid family and medical leave, and legalizing marijuana. Here’s what employers need to know.

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2020 Elections: State of play

The White House, 35 seats in the U.S. Senate and 435 in the House, 5,876 state legislative seats, and 11 governor offices are on the ballot on November 3, 2020.

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2020 Elections at a glance

Updated as of 11/7/2020

2020 PRESIDENTIAL RACE

President Donald Trump

President-Elect Joe Biden

  • Served as vice president to President Obama for both terms, 2009-2017
  • Received bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and a J.D. from Syracuse University
  • Served as U.S. Senator for Delaware from 1973-2009
  • Served as Chairman for both the Judiciary and Foreign Relation Committees in the Senate
U.S. Senator Kamala Harris

Vice-President Elect Kamala D. Harris

  • Announced on August 11, 2020 as Joe Biden’s running mate and the Democratic candidate for Vice President
  • Received bachelor’s degree from Howard University and a J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of Law
  • Served as District Attorney for six years before becoming California’s Attorney General
  • Contended for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2020

Workplace Healthcare

SHRM believes any approach to health care reform in the United States must preserve the option for employers to provide employer-sponsored health insurance and offer affordable access to care for all Americans.

Expect President-elect Biden to:

  • Maintain and expand Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage.
  • Leave in place the ACA’s employer mandate and employer tracking and reporting requirements.
  • Support subsidized coverage on an ACA exchange, even if their employer offers ACA-compliant coverage.

Workplace Flexibility & Leave

SHRM believes that the United States must have a 21st Century workplace flexibility policy that works for employers and employees.

Expect President-elect Biden to:

  • Call for an emergency paid leave program, which includes the Healthy Families Act and 14 days of paid leave for those who are sick, exposed or subject to quarantines.
  • Support 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave as outlined in the FAMILY Act.

Workplace Immigration

SHRM will advocate for access to global talent, and for employer tools to hire a legal workforce for efficiency and predictability. 

Expect President-elect Biden to:

  • Rescind prior administration executive actions and proclamations relating to immigration.
  • Address employment-based immigration issues such as H-1B visas and worker green cards.

Workplace Equity

SHRM believes positive workplace cultures discourage harassment and discrimination and promote pay decisions based on substantial business factors.

Expect President-elect Biden to:

  • Focus on equity issues since he has signaled strong support for the Paycheck Fairness Act, the Equality Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Workforce Development

SHRM advocates for efforts to hire, educate and train individuals – including those in non-traditional talent pools – to close the skills gap and improve individual prosperity in the modern workplace.

Expect President-elect Biden to:

  • Embrace upskilling and reskilling policies, as well as policies that increase access to education and training for under-employed talent pools, such as older workers, veterans and formerly incarcerated individuals.
  • Support pro-union proposals such as the PRO Act.

STATE GUBERNATORIAL RACES

In the 2020 election, nine of the states had incumbents up for re-election, and all won their races.

  • Delaware: Gov. John Carney
  • Indiana: Gov. Eric Holcomb
  • Missouri: Gov. Mike Parson
  • New Hampshire: Gov. Chris  Sununu
  • North Carolina: Gov. Roy Cooper
  • North Dakota: Gov. Doug Burgum
  • Vermont: Gov. Phil Scott
  • Washington: Gov. Jay Inslee
  • West Virginia: Gov. Jim Justice

The closest race involving an incumbent was North Carolina’s Governor Roy Cooper winning by 4.4 points. Late reports indicated a tightening race in Missouri that never came to be with Governor Mike Parson winning his election to win his first full term as Governor.

The two open races in Montana and Utah finished with Republicans securing both seats. Democrats lost the mansion in Montana bringing an end to their 15-year streak holding the office. Republicans now hold 27 governoroffices to the Democrats 24 offices.

STATE Legislature RACES

  • Montana is a new GOP trifecta with Greg Gianforte securing the Governor Mansion for the first time in 15 years. 
  • New Hampshire will become the second GOP trifecta secured this election cycle after winning a majority in the state Senate and currently leading in the battle for the House. The NH House has flipped majorities in six of the last eight elections.
  • AZ is the state to watch with vote counts still taking place. 

2020 CONGRESSIONAL RACES

Centennial Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the official adoption of the 19th Amendment into the U.S. Constitution. As we celebrate our nation’s achievements, we cannot do so without remembering those leaders over the hundreds of years who helped us get there – both women and men alike.  To commemorate this landmark anniversary, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.  Watch the video to learn more about this historic anniversary.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Hear our stories

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Celebrates 19th Amendment Centennial

100 years ago, the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote. To commemorate this landmark anniversary and to celebrate Women’s Equality Day, SHRM partnered with the National Foundation for Women Legislators to share the power and importance of the 19th Amendment.

Learn More about SHRM's Partnership with NFWL

SHRM Election Podcasts

SHRM wants to ensure you have everything you need to vote on Election Day. Tune-in to hear from the SHRM’s External Affairs Team about important election topics so that you are ready to vote on Nov. 3rd.

SHRM believes in the power of policy, not politics, to support policy solutions that benefit workers and the workplace regardless of party affiliation.

SHRM does not financially support nor endorse any candidates running for public office.

SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally.

CONTACT US

SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management, creates better workplaces where employers and employees thrive together. As the voice of all things work, workers and the workplace, SHRM is the foremost expert, convener and thought leader on issues impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With 300,000+ HR and business executive members in 165 countries, SHRM impacts the lives of more than 115 million workers and families globally.

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