Sports & Voting: How athletes are encouraging Americans to vote

As I watch the NBA playoffs and the beginning of an unprecedented NFL season, I’m struck with a constant message seen everywhere from helmets and jerseys to advertisements that’s so simple, but so important — vote. Leading up to the presidential election, players from all different sports leagues in America are stressing the importance of voting. This is a powerful example of our sports idols using their platform to encourage first-time voters like me to get involved in our democracy.

Over the past few years we’ve seen frequent criticism of athletes like Colin Kaepernick, who voiced concern regarding the issue of police brutality. Athletes sharing similar views as Kaepernick were broadly discouraged by fans and members of the media — arguing that politics shouldn’t have a role in a player’s agenda. But now, the most fundamental aspect of politics will be headlining Arrowhead Stadium on Nov. 3 as the defending Super Bowl Champions transform Chiefs Kingdom into a massive polling center. 

Voting is not only a privilege in our democracy, it’s one of the most fundamental ways to play a direct role in the outcome of our future. According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement, only 50% of registered voters aged 18-29 voted in the 2016 election. That’s 50% lower than it should be.

The solution to poor voter turnout doesn’t end with “vote” on warm-up shirts and on the back of football helmets — it ends on election day. To further influence voting among young Americans, and all Americans for that matter, franchise owners across the country are opting to use their sports venues as polling locations on election day. Hopefully this proposal will inspire more people to vote and provide motivational means to do so. 

Using a large venue for voting is a unique concept that would keep voters socially distant during their in-person voting process. Here in Kansas City, Arrowhead Stadium will become a polling location for voters residing in Kansas City, Missouri. This opportunity was made possible by owner Clark Hunt and quarterback Patrick Mahomes who agreed to split the $100,000 cost. 

Mahomes, along with NBA player LeBron James both have advocated for voter registration by teaming to launch a voter registration drive, despite backlash from many media outlets arguing that athletes should “keep politics out of sports.”

However, this is hypocritical because when James created the “I Promise School” in his hometown — or when Mahomes launched his charity, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, just ‘sticking to sports’ wasn’t part of the picture. Athletes are some of the most influential people to today’s youth, and that influence must go well beyond the court or field. 

If we as a nation can promote young adults, especially first-time voters to take part in our election — which happens to be arguably the most important election in our nation’s history  — we can further promote the positive change our influencers are striving for. 

With the addition of Arrowhead Stadium becoming a polling location — along with dozens of other sports venues across the country — registered voters will be able to safely cast their ballots with the help of our idolized athletes who continue to inspire today’s youth.