Here’s a great, nonpartisan, idea.

Extended Stay America, whose properties have remained open during the pandemic, is adding “voter registration center” to the amenities it offers.

The mid-priced chain’s STAY Counted initiative encourages guests to register to vote in the November 2020 election. 

No matter their politics.

All 561 company-owned hotels in 41 states, as well as select franchise locations, are participating in the program.

The initiative includes tools and resources to make it easier for both guests and hotel employees to register to vote.

“Extended Stay America is committed to empowering our communities.  As people across the country are standing up for justice, we believe it is our obligation to do more than issue hollow corporate messages, ” said Bruce Haase, President and Chief Executive Officer of Extended Stay America.

Here’s what the Stay Counted program entails:

Virtual Voter Registration Centers.

In addition to its online Stay Counted site, Extended Stay America is providing stamped envelopes for those registering in states that do not offer online registration. 

Voter Registration Ambassadors

Employees at participating Extended Stay America properties will serve as “voter registration ambassadors.” The staff will help guests with the voter registration process.

Paid Time Off to Vote.

Extended Stay America will give its 8,000 employees paid time off to vote in the November election.

Communications Campaign

The campaign will be reinforced with emails and messages on lobby cards, hotel TV monitors, and stickers.

Will airlines help with voter registration – again?

This isn’t the first time a travel company has gone all-in on encouraging people to register to vote.

Back in 2010 Virgin America (remember them?) teamed up with Rock the Vote for an in-flight voter registration campaign.

Passengers could use their smartphones to scan a QR code on the airline’s Red seat back entertainment platform and register to vote.