Local

What if your employer tells you how to vote?

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Eyewitness News has learned that timeshare mogul and founder of Westgate Resorts David Siegel sent an email to all of his 15,000 employees calling this the most important election of our lifetime and that his employees should vote Donald Trump for president.

Siegel told Channel 9's Jeff Deal that it's just his "advice" and that his employees should vote for who they think is best for their family and future. Siegel said he wanted his employees to know that he believes Trump will be best for the company and the country.

"George W. won by 537 votes. You know, this could be another close election; maybe my employees can make the difference. I hope so,” Siegel said.

"David Siegel has evolved here. He's learned from his experience from his last letter. He's not making threats now, he's offering advice," said WFTV political analyst Dr. Rick Foglesong.

Siegel warned employees four years ago that people could lose their jobs if President Obama was re-elected.

Eyewitness News learned that there’s nothing to prevent private business owners from offering advice on whom to vote for.

"I'm not coercing anybody. I’m just putting out the facts as I see them. If they have respect for me like I think they do, they'll vote for Trump,” Siegel said.