⁍ State Farm Arena is one of three dozen sports arenas and stadiums across the United States doubling as early voting sites before the Nov. 3 election.

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⁍ Nearly all of the venues have been closed to fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March.

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⁍ By allowing early voting in arenas and stadiums, organizers hope to alleviate fears that voters may have about contracting the coronavirus while exercising their constitutional rights.

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– Voting is already underway in three dozen sports arenas and stadiums across the US. Reuters reports on the first day of early voting in Georgia, where the Atlanta Hawks’ State Farm Arena opened its doors to voters on Monday. The venue is one of three dozen sports arenas and stadiums across the US doubling as early voting sites before the Nov. 3 election. Nearly all of the venues have been closed to fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March. First championed by the Atlanta Hawks owners, management, and coaching staff, the initiative caught on nationally thanks in part to support from More than a Vote. The organization was started by the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Lebron James and other athletes to inspire African-Americans and everyone to register and vote. By allowing early voting in arenas and stadiums, where social distancing can be better assured, organizers hope to alleviate fears that voters may have about contracting the coronavirus while exercising their constitutional rights. “I’m here because I did my research. Their booths are spread wide all across the stadium floor. I think it’s safer,” says a 57-year-old teacher who arrived at State Farm Arena at 7:30am. The idea of turning State Farm Arena into a polling place started with the Atlanta Hawks, who challenged other professional sports franchises to open up their home venues for early voting. Soon, the NBA’s Orlando Magic followed suit at the Amway Center, the National Football League’s Detroit Lions at Ford Field, NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, the NBA Houston Rockets at Toyota Stadium, and Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.