Election officials in Wisconsin have decided against using the Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers’ stadiums as early voting locations for the November 3rd election.
What We Know:
- Milwaukee’s election commission had previously planned to use Miller Park and Fiserv Forum as in-person early voting and mail ballot drop-off sites between October 20 and November 1. This was done to expand accessible and safe options for voting during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Executive director Claire Woodall-Vogg explained that the stadiums will no longer be used for early voting because there is the possibility that the legitimacy of the ballots cast could be legally challenged. The stadiums were designated as early voting locations after the Wisconsin Elections Commission’s June 12 deadline.
“We want residents of Milwaukee to feel complete and unwavering confidence that their ballot will be counted in the election and this action reflects that commitment.” – Claire Woodall-Vogg
- Athletes from around the world went on strike following the August police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The first team to take action was the Milwaukee Bucks, who shocked the sports world by refusing to take the court for a first-round playoff game. The domino pieces continued to fall and athletes from every major sports league suspended play to voice their opinions on social justice.
- The Milwaukee Bucks used their strike as an opportunity to speak with the Wisconsin attorney general and lieutenant governor. Part of the aftermath of the players’ strike was NBA owners opening their stadiums up as voting sites.
Bucks senior vice president Alex Lasry was disappointed in the city’s decision, saying “it’s frustrating, and it’s a disservice to the people of Milwaukee . . . The entire Bucks organization is disappointed.”
