And it will be the largest in all of NYC, serving 60,000 voters.
The announcement was made after pro sports teams have been refusing to play games in solidarity with movements against racial injustice across the country, specifically after the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin last week. Using arenas as voting sites, like Madison Square Garden as well as the Staples Center in Los Angeles, was part of the agreement made between NBA players and team officials to continue playing playoff games.
It is also part of a new “social justice coalition” that is being established within the organization, focused on many different issues including access to voting and civic engagement.
“Madison Square Garden holds a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers, and we are proud to be working with them in ensuring voters can cast their ballots in a safe, spacious and familiar environment,” says MSG Executive Director Michael J. Ryan in a press release. “In an election where enthusiasm is at a fever pitch, we recognize the significance of having a venue like MSG on our side to make the process not only more convenient, but really give voters the sense they are part of something exciting and historic.”
Madison Square Garden is excited to support our community by partnering with NYC Board of Elections to serve as a polling site for residents to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming general election. pic.twitter.com/xSO9KilkEj
— MSG (@TheGarden) August 28, 2020
Voting booths will be at Madison Square Garden’s Chase Square, at the 7th Avenue entrance between 31st and 33rd Streets.
The site will served 60,000 Manhattan voters; you can find out if you are assigned to that location at https://nyc.pollsitelocator.com/search. New Yorkers can vote early from October 24 through November 1 at different hours, will you can find out at vote.nyc. For Election Day itself (November 3), polls are open from 6am to 9pm.
Of course, as with all elections sites, The Board of Elections of the City of New York will follow all health guidelines including but not limited to floor markers indicating social distancing measures, antiviral wipes for voters, antiseptic wipes to sanitize all voting equipment, individual stylus/pens to check in on poll pad and mark ballot, and face coverings.
Gothamist reported that it would be the first time in MSG’s 52-year history that it would be open to voters in a general election.
In other news: Central Park Unveils First-Ever Statue Honoring Women’s Rights Leaders, After 167 Years
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