2020 is an election year unlike any other. Concerns surrounding the post office’s ability to deliver ballots on time and polling safety due to coronavirus adds uncertainty to a voter base that only sees a 56% turnout in an average year. Unprecedented circumstances call for unprecedented measures, and the Los Angeles Dodgers have stepped up to the plate to help ease voter worries.
In a statement, the Team announced Dodger Stadium and its surrounding area will be turned into a polling site for the November elections. They will be partnering alongside LeBron James’s “More Than A Vote” group, whose goal is to combat voter suppression. This will mark the first time an MLB team has used their facility as a polling site.
Thank you @Dodgers and @DAVIDprice24 for bringing MLB into this important initiative. Who got next? @Morethanavote #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/qYAUY30T3M
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 13, 2020
“Voting is all of our civic duty, and we’re excited to work with More Than a Vote to do anything we can to help get out the vote by making this process as easy, accessible, and safe for all Angelenos,” said Stan Kasten, Dodgers President & CEO.
“I’m really proud we were able to help the Dodgers become the first MLB stadium to open for voting. This is exactly why we created More Than a Vote,” said LeBron James
The vast area of the property will allow for adequate social distancing in an outdoor environment, which reduces the likelihood of exposure. Dodger Stadium has also been used as a COVID-19 testing and a donation distribution site in recent months.
Make sure to check your voter registration status ahead of time, it only takes a couple of minutes. Also, check out guest contributor Monica Trasandes of GLAAD‘s powerful reminder about the importance of voting.