Opinion: The MLB Takes a Stand
In the past few weeks, a new voting law was introduced in Georgia, which received backlash across America.
This new law, passed by the Republican-controlled Georgia state legislature, contains new voting restrictions as well as other changes. Among the changes there’s an expanded early voting period, an ID requirement for mail-in voting, a shorter time frame for mail-in ballots, and a ban on food and drink distribution to voters while they are waiting in line.
People who stand in opposition say they believe that the law targets and prevents minorities from voting.
A group that voices its discontent with the new voting law is Major League Baseball (MLB). Players and employees have gone onto social media to criticize the new law.
In an official statement to the press, Commissioner Robert D. Manfred stated the MLB’s position on the new law: “Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box. Fair access to voting continues to have our game’s unwavering support.”
In protest of the new voting laws, the MLB announced that they would be moving their 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta, Georgia, where it was scheduled to be played. The game has since been relocated to Coors Field in Denver, and is currently scheduled for July 13th, 2021.
Works cited:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/georgia-voting-law-9-facts/
https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-mlb-statement-regarding-2021-all-star-game