Teaming Up to Make Voting Accessible

The Staples Center will be one of many large-scale event facilities open to the public for safe voting on the presidential election on November 3, 2020 and will have mail-in ballots drop off accessibility off between October 30, 2020 through Tuesday, November 3, 2020. (October 3, 2020 Photographer Kevin Tidmore/ The Corsair News)

Since the ongoing pandemic began in March, live sporting events inside stadiums have been cancelled for fans in Los Angeles. However, some L.A. sports organizations have come together to repurpose their stadiums to serve as polling places. Athletes have also taken part in voter advocacy, with many famous sports stars educating communities and motivating them to hit the polls in order to participate in the upcoming general election.

The Dodgers were the first organization in Major League Baseball (MLB) to offer their stadium as a polling place, announced on Aug. 13. Previously, the space was being utilized as a COVID-19 testing center. The Los Angeles Lakers, Rams, Clippers, and Chargers followed suit shortly thereafter, announcing that the Staples Center, The Forum, and the new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood would be participating in offering the general public a place to cast their vote safely, while complying with COVID-19 guidelines.

Athletes from different sports have teamed up to do their part and encourage the people to make their voices heard with movements such as More Than A Vote. The non-profit was started by Lakers superstar Lebron James, along with other Black athletes, and has since partnered with the Dodgers.

“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 Dodgers President Stan Kasten in a statement made earlier in September.

The influx of politics in sports has stirred controversy, with the credibility of athletes constantly being questioned. Despite the criticism, athletes have continuously used their platforms to push team and league owners into taking action on social injustices happening across the country. Owners and teams have listened to their athletes and worked alongside them to promote justice and equality.

“We are focused on systemic, targeted voter suppression in our community and have a specific mission: educate, energize and protect Black voters,” said More Than a Vote organizers in an open letter co-signed by over 20 marquee athletes and artists. “Sports venues not in use need to be converted into voting locations and we are here to help the teams and universities ready to step up.”

Using these empty stadiums helps reduce voter suppression, while maintaining voter safety. Voter suppression often occurs when people with lower-income status cannot afford to take time off work, and are further discouraged by long lines caused by insufficient polling places and workers. With these enormous arenas serving as polling places, it is easier to navigate large crowds, ensuring that everyone can stay six feet apart to avoid the spread of COVID-19. These spaces also make voting more accessible by shortening wait times.

More Than A Vote addresses the shortage of poll workers as well. The organization is advocating for young people to volunteer as poll workers. Since the average poll worker's age is 60, they are at a heightened risk for the virus; therefore, the non-profit encourages younger, less susceptible people to take action.

Voting centers at the stadiums will be open from Oct. 30 through Election Day, Nov. 3. All four participating stadiums will allow voters to cast their votes or drop off their mail in ballots. COVID-19 restrictions will be enforced, including requiring masks.