The uproar over Republicans’ changing voting laws in several states, in what appears to be voting restrictions aimed at minority voters, has caused many people to speak up and out against the recent changes. Several corporate CEOs have released statements and in Georgia, the backlash has affected the sports industry and its local economy when Major League Baseball pulled its upcoming All-Star event out of the Peach State.
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Nine professional sports leagues have recently put out a statement to show a force of unity in opposing the new voting restrictions recently put in place.
“Over the last few months, state legislators across the country have proposed bills and new legislation that if passed, could make it harder for ordinary citizens to cast their ballots in future election seasons. Today, nine (9) major sports unions in North America are announcing their joint opposition to these legislative efforts aimed at restricting the right to vote, and join the hundreds of individuals, foundations, and corporations in taking a “Stand for Democracy”:
“We Stand for Democracy.
A Government of the people, by the people.
A beautifully American ideal, but a reality denied to many for much of this nation’s history.
As Americans, we know that in our democracy we should not expect to agree on everything.
However, regardless of our political affiliations, we believe the very foundation of our electoral process rests upon the ability of each of us to cast our ballots for the candidates of our choice.
For American democracy to work for any of us, we must ensure the right to vote for all of us.
We should all feel a responsibility to defend the right to vote and to oppose any discriminatory legislation or measures that restrict or prevent any eligible voter from having an equal and fair opportunity to cast a ballot.
Voting is the lifeblood of our democracy and we call upon all Americans to join us in taking a nonpartisan stand for this most basic and fundamental right of all Americans.”
Signatories:
Basketball Players Union (BPU)
Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA)
National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)
National Football League Players Association (NFLPA)
National Women’s Hockey League Players’ Association (NWHLPA)
National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA)
Professional Women’s Hockey League Players Association (PWHPA)
United States Women’s National Team Players Association (USWNTPA)
Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA)