Wal-Mart Launches Drive to Help Company Associates Register to Vote

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Sept. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) today officially announced a new program to help the company's more than 1.3 million associates register to vote.

"We believe that we have a responsibility -- whether it's by being a good steward of the environment or being the largest corporate cash contributor to charities in this country -- to help keep our communities strong," said Wal- Mart CEO Lee Scott. "As the nation's largest private employer, one way that we can contribute to our communities is to help our associates register to vote and participate in our democracy."

Recent polls have shown that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe Wal-Mart is good for working families. In June of 2006, a Rasmussen Reports survey found that 69% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the company. In addition, nearly 80% of people who have worked for Wal-Mart, or have family members who have been employed by Wal-Mart, have a favorable opinion of the company.

"Our associates appreciate the opportunities and benefits that Wal-Mart provides," said Scott. "This program gives them every chance to participate in the political process."

Wal-Mart plans to distribute state-specific voter registration forms to all 1.3 million store, club, and distribution center associates. To simplify the process, the forms will have pre-paid postage in most states so an associate can just fill out the voter registration form and drop it in the mail.

The company has a policy of granting associates, whose work schedules do not allow sufficient time on Election Day to vote, paid time off in order to make it to the polls.

Also as part of the drive, Wal-Mart will be distributing educational materials made available by the League of Women Voters as well as a voter education packet. This will help familiarize associates with new election procedures and direct them to additional resources.

"The League of Women Voters is pleased by Wal-Mart's efforts to help its workforce understand the importance of voting and make it easier to register to vote. We are happy to be able to provide our '5 Things You Need to Know on Election Day' information, which provides useful tips for voters about Election Day," said Mary G. Wilson, national League president.

According to the organization's website, the League of Women Voters "encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy." The organization's goal is "to empower citizens to shape better communities worldwide."

"Improving voter registration and participation is a civic goal that all of our country's major institutions should share," added Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott. "Just like many of the challenges facing this country, it's going to take government and business and non-profits working together to develop and deliver solutions."

Today's announcement is part of a larger company effort to educate associates about important issues. Wal-Mart employs over 1.3 million Americans over the age of 18 and has a significant number of associates in states that play pivotal roles in national elections. For example, there are 94,163 associates in Florida, 49,724 in Ohio, 47,904 in Pennsylvania, 17,273 in Iowa and 7,933 in New Hampshire. The company will distribute voter education information to all associates before Election Day.

About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. The company also operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York and NYSE Arca stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting http://www.walmartfacts.com/ .