Poll: Should Corporations Take Positions on Social, Political Issues?

When Tom Emmer ran for governor in 2010, the public soon found out Target Corporation had donated $150,000 to MN Forward, an organization that was running ads backing the candidate, who was adamantly opposed to same-sex marriage.

Following the discovery, a movement to boycott Target sprang up from the streets to social media platforms. Target was adamant that it had donated cash to both sides of the aisle. Richfield-based Best Buy also donated to the organization that year, however, Target caught the brunt of criticism as the corporation had been seen as an ally for the LGBT community for years.

Now with Minnesota voters being asked to vote on whether to amend the state constitution to say marriage is between one man and one woman, Minnesota-based companies are speaking out. , and a Change.org campaign is asking Best Buy to do the same.

In addition, voters will face another ballot question regarding whether to require a Minnesota ID to vote. And, obviously, this is also a presidential election year, with many party endorsements from companies, organizations and prominent individuals being announced each week.

That said, a Patch reader recently asked on Facebook:

"Why do companies need to say anything when the company is made up of a cross section of the community?"

So now Patch asks you: Do you think corporations should take positions or make statements on political or social issues?

Take our poll below and share your thoughts in the comments section.