It’s National Voter Registration Day and in North Texas, the Dallas Mavericks got involved. NBC 5’s Julie Fine reports on the team’s decision to hold a drive-through voter registration drive.
To get people registered to vote ahead of the Oct. 5 deadline, the Dallas Mavericks hosted a drive-thru registration event Tuesday.
The registration took place in the parking lot of the team's corporate offices at 1333 North Stemmons Freeway.
The Mavericks' CEO Cynt Marshall said the team does more than play basketball at the AAC.
"I often say we don't just work here, we don't just play here, but we live here too, and the things that are important to the community are important to us. They are our neighbors, our fans, it us," she said.
There was no need for anyone to get out of their cars to fill out their paperwork for the 2020 election.
“The goal is to have as many people come through and register," said Rolando Blackman, the Mavericks vice president of corporate relations.
Helen Cuevas was there bright and early.
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"I registered when I got out of high school but I never voted. But I am going to vote this time," she said.
This event was launched on National Voter Registration Day.
Mavericks great and vice president of basketball operations Michael Finley talked about the importance of the election.
“In order to be a part of that, you can't just sit on the sidelines. You have to have your voice heard," he said.
The Mavericks are also teaming up with the Dallas Stars and the American Airlines Center to host Dallas County’s largest polling center for the upcoming general election.
The AAC will be open for early voting from Oct. 13-30 and on Election Day, Nov. 3.
“This year more than ever we want as many people to come out and by having AAC as the largest polling center in Dallas County, we’re able to meet that demand,” said Katie Edwards, senior vice president of external affairs for the Mavericks.
Other large sporting venues are also opening their doors.
Texas Motor Speedway will also serve as a polling site on Election Day. The Lone Star Tower Clubhouse will be open on Nov. 3 to serve Precinct 4048, which includes a portion of Denton County and Fort Worth voters.
In Atlanta, State Farm Arena will serve as a polling center for Fulton County, Georgia. With no sports or concerts during the pandemic, the arena is able to accommodate a large number of voters while allowing for social distancing.
Go to Mavs.com/vote for voter registration info, polling locations, and more.
The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5. There are several ways to register.
To request an application online, click here. The application needs to be printed, and sent to your local registrar’s office. Voters can request a postage paid application from the registrar by filling out a form at that same website.
Applications are also available at many post offices, libraries, Texas Department of Public Safety offices, and Texas Health and Human Services Commission offices.
