Anheuser-Busch Providing Hand Sanitizer in Support of 2020 Elections

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In support of its ‘Brew Democracy’ initiative designed to increase participation in the political process and bring the nation’s political leaders together, Anheuser-Busch is producing and donating more than eight million ounces of hand sanitizer to  polling locations across the United States for this November’s General Election.   

In coordination with the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED), the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Anheuser-Busch will distribute the hand sanitizer to state election offices that have requested it to help ensure the safety of voters and polling site workers throughout the election process.

“As a leading U.S. employer, Anheuser-Busch is committed to uniting our communities, strengthening our democracy and encouraging even greater participation in the political process.  One part of this commitment is shifting our production capabilities to donate hand sanitizer so that election officials and voters throughout the country can take part in a safe election this fall.” said Cesar Vargas, Chief External Affairs Officer, Anheuser-Busch. “We like to say that ‘beer is bipartisan’ and we are proud to step up and serve our communities during this election season.”

The brewer will leverage its production capabilities to produce hand sanitizer at its Baldwinsville, NY and Los Angeles, CA breweries as well as through its partners at Cutwater Spirits (San Diego, CA) and Devils Backbone Brewing Company (Roseland, VA) then utilize its logistics expertise to deliver the sanitizer through its wholesaler network to polling locations and election offices across the country.  

“Having sufficient, critical personal protective equipment is absolutely necessary for the general election in November. We truly appreciate Anheuser-Busch for their willingness to produce and donate hand sanitizer to state and local election officials as they work on the frontlines of democracy in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Maggie Toulouse Oliver, NASS President and New Mexico Secretary of State.

“The safety of our voters and our election workers is paramount this year, especially as election officials prepare for record turnout in the November election.  With PPE in short supply, we appreciate Anheuser-Busch helping state and local election officials serve our voters safely.  Voters across the country can feel confident knowing their election officials are taking steps to provide for their safety if they choose to vote in person,” said Lori Augino, President, NASED, and Director of Elections, Washington Secretary of State.

“We’ve said it time and time again, protecting our nation’s elections requires a whole nation of effort and in these challenging times, that’s never been more true,” said Christopher Krebs, Director of CISA. “We appreciate those who are doing their part and providing resources to protect our nation’s most precious democratic process by helping keep American voters safe and healthy this fall.” 

“Voters deserve to feel confident that they will have a safe and healthy voting experience this fall. Elections officials are working hard to modify polling places to meet the needs of this moment in our nation’s history. We can’t do it alone—we will need partners like Anheuser-Busch. I greatly appreciate Anheuser-Busch’s donation of hand sanitizer, which will help protect voters and poll workers throughout California,” said Alex Padilla, California Secretary of State.

“This partnership between Anheuser-Busch and America’s election officials allows voters to have confidence that our deeply rooted tradition of casting a ballot in-person will have one additional protection available for voters and election workers to stay safe. West Virginia and our county clerks appreciate the partnership with Anheuser-Busch to make and distribute hand sanitizer, to further help election officials hold a safe, fair and successful Presidential election in November,” said Mac Warner, West Virginia Secretary of State.

“All Americans deserve to be safe while carrying out their right to vote. Special thanks to Anheuser-Busch for their help to ensure polling stations can operate in a safe and effective manner. As we move forward, charitable leadership like this is exactly what’s needed to rebuild, restore and renew our great nation,” said Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy.

“This crisis continues to require that all of us pull together and it’s been inspiring to see how private citizens and businesses are stepping up to protect the public,” said U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire. “I greatly appreciate this donation from Anheuser-Busch to help maintain the safety of poll workers and voters on election day. We need to be doing everything in our power to make sure Americans can safely vote and this partnership between Anheuser-Busch and federal and state authorities, is what we need more of as we approach November 3rd.”

Anheuser-Busch first began producing and distributing hand sanitizer earlier this year to help accommodate the growing need for critical resources among its employees, partners and communities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This spring, the brewer donated more than 500,000 8oz bottles of hand sanitizer to community organizations – including emergency management agencies, food banks, and healthcare systems – across 20 states and Washington DC. 

To learn more about Anheuser-Busch’s efforts in response to COVID-19, click here.

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH

For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations. Today, we own and operate more than 100 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities and packaging plants, and have more than 18,000 colleagues across the United States. We are home to several of America’s most recognizable beer brands, including Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob ULTRA and Stella Artois, as well as a number of regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From responsible drinking programs and emergency drinking water donations to industry-leading sustainability efforts, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.