Sage Pre-Election Snapshot Survey Indicates Many Small Business Owners Undecided as November 4 Looms


IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 24, 2014) - Sage, a leading provider of business management software and services to small businesses, announced today the results of the Sage Small Business Pre-Election Snapshot Survey. Conducted among U.S. small businesses in October regarding their views about the upcoming midterm elections, the survey found that many small business owners- approximately 4 in 10- were undecided as to how they will vote.

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While the recent Sage Business Index indicated that many small business owners are feeling positive about growth potential of the US economy, the Sage Small Business Pre-Election Snapshot indicated that government regulation has had a negative effect on nearly three fourths of business owners surveyed in the past six years. Among a list of potential actions Congress could take, rated most helpful (69%) is lowering federal taxes on small businesses, followed by a repeal of the small business health insurance tax (54%) and the elimination of the self-employment tax (52%).

"According to the Sage Small Business Pre-Election Snapshot, the news may not be good for incumbents: only one in four small business owners surveyed planned to vote to re-elect their current congressperson and one in five planned to vote to re-elect their current senator, but four in ten were still undecided," said Connie Certusi, executive vice president and general manager, Sage Small Business solutions. "Small business owners are looking to candidates for leadership on the issues that matter to them, those who will take a stand in Washington on behalf of their small business constituents, and who will work to clear the way for small business growth."

The Sage Small Business Pre-Election Snapshot looked at small business owners' views on a variety of issues. Other interesting findings include:

  • Small business owners show up in force at the polls... 89% of respondents have voted in every federal election in the past 10 years.
  • Not as many small business owners support candidates financially. Three in ten business owners surveyed said they make political donations. 
  • National security is important. Two-thirds would oppose any cuts in defense spending.
  • Immigration reform, less so. 70% of businesses check an employee's immigration status when hiring. About one-fourth are in favor of a comprehensive immigration reform bill, including a pathway to citizenship, fines, and work permits.

About the survey

The survey was conducted by Sage in September 2014 among 366 small businesses in the U.S. The margin of error is +/- 5% with a confidence level of 95 percent.

About The Sage Group, plc

We provide small and medium-sized organizations with a range of easy-to-use, secure, and efficient business management software and services -- from accounting and payroll to enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management, and payments. Our customers receive continuous advice and support through our global network of local experts to help them solve their business problems, giving them the confidence to achieve their business ambitions. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989 and entered the FTSE 100 in 1999. Sage has millions of customers and more than 12,700 employees in 24 countries covering the UK & Ireland, mainland Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, Asia, and Brazil. For further information please visit www.sage.com.

© 2014 Sage Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Sage, the Sage logos and the Sage product and service names mentioned herein are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sage Software, Inc. or its affiliated entities. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact Information:

Press contact:
Aimee Ertley
Aimee.Ertley@sage.com
678-280-5556

Sherri Walkenhorst
Sherriw@connectmarketing.com
801-373-7888