Pro-Democracy Consumer Vetting Checklist
Any opinions on this Pro-Democracy Consumer Vetting Checklist? Is it helpful, useful, too much work for an individual? Any and all thoughts welcome.
1. Pre-visit Research
Before you walk in:
Search their name + “donations” or “FEC” (Federal Election Commission database) to see if owners have donated to extremist, authoritarian-leaning candidates or PACs.
Check social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for public posts endorsing authoritarian rhetoric or misinformation.
Look at reviews for mentions of discriminatory behavior or political hostility.
Check local press — any stories about owner involvement in controversial causes, rallies, or organizations?
2. In-Person Observations
While visiting the business:
Décor and signage – Are there political symbols, flags, or slogans tied to anti-democratic movements? (Think: “Thin Blue Line” flags used as a political marker, QAnon slogans, “Stop the Steal,” Confederate symbols.)
Products and partnerships – Are they selling merchandise tied to far-right figures or causes? Sponsoring events with authoritarian-aligned groups?
Customer interactions – How do staff treat people from visibly different racial, cultural, or political backgrounds?
3. Conversation Starters
Engage in friendly, open-ended conversation with staff or the owner:
Community involvement
“I love supporting businesses that give back. What kinds of local causes or groups do you support?”
(Listen for groups that are inclusive vs. those linked to exclusionary or authoritarian agendas.)News and information
“I’ve been trying to keep up with what’s going on locally — where do you usually get your news?”
(Not a dealbreaker alone, but it can reveal alignment if the sources are exclusively extremist or disinformation outlets.)Values and mission
“What do you want your business to stand for in this community?”
(Look for language about fairness, community, inclusivity — or warning signs like exclusionary identity politics.)Employee treatment
“Do you hire locally? How do you keep folks here long-term?”
(Pro-democracy economic values include fair wages, safety, and worker respect.)
4. Red Flags
Owner donations to candidates or PACs that promote voter suppression, political violence, or exclusionary policies.
Public alignment with conspiracy movements (QAnon, “Great Replacement,” “Stop the Steal”).
Discriminatory or hostile treatment of marginalized customers or employees.
Sponsorship or partnership with extremist-linked events or organizations.
5. Green Flags
Transparency about donations and partnerships — especially if they support nonpartisan civic, educational, or human rights groups.
Commitment to fair labor practices and employee well-being.
Active participation in inclusive community projects.
Public stances in favor of voting rights, press freedom, or other core democratic values.
6. Decision Point
If you see consistent red flags, spend elsewhere.
If you see mixed signals, decide whether you have leverage (e.g., share concerns with the owner, suggest inclusive causes they could support).
If you see green flags, reward them with your dollar and tell others.
