Updated 4/2 with comment from the Atlanta Braves
Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred issued a statement on Friday saying the league would pull the planned 2021 All-Star Game and Draft out of Atlanta in protest over the recent voting restriction law put in place.
That law, signed by Georgia governor Brian Kemp (R), removes the Georgia secretary of state as the head of the states election board, limits the number of drop boxes for absentee ballots (could be as little as one per county), shortens the absentee ballot period, and makes it a misdemeanor for anyone to offer gifts or money to anyone waiting in line at polling locations, including offering drink or water within 150 feet of the building housing a polling place, or "within 25 feet of any voter standing in line to vote at any polling place", just to name a few.
Manfred said that he been in contact with league clubs, current, and former players, the MLB Players Association, the Players Alliance, and others before making the decision by saying, I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this years All-Star Game and MLB Draft.
Manfred and the league have not yet disclosed the new location. Some have pondered whether Milwaukee might wind up with the event given the commissioner saying the focus on the memory of the late Henry Aaron would still be part of the All-Star Game festivities. The Braves were located in Milwaukee prior to relocating to Atlanta in 1966.
Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box, Manfred said in a statement through the league. In 2020, MLB became the first professional sports league to join the non-partisan Civic Alliance to help build a future in which everyone participates in shaping the United States. We proudly used our platform to encourage baseball fans and communities throughout our country to perform their civic duty and actively participate in the voting process.
He added, Fair access to voting continues to have our games unwavering support.
The Atlanta Braves, released a statement strongly opposing the move saying they were deeply disappointed by it and that it was neither their decision or recommendation.
Manfred said that MLB would continue with their planned investments to support local communities in Atlanta as part of our All-Star Legacy Projects will move forward.
Major League Baseballs move is the latest in a series of businesses making statements regarding the new voter restriction law. Georgia-based Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian said, After having time to now fully understand all that is in the bill, coupled with discussions with leaders and employees in the Black community, its evident that the bill includes provisions that will make it harder for many underrepresented voters, particularly Black voters, to exercise their constitutional right to elect their representatives. That is wrong. Pharmaceutical company Merck said that they stand strong on our core values including our commitment to social justice and the right of people to fully and freely participate in electoral processes. Porsche, which sees its North American headquarters in the state, said, As an Atlanta-based business, Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) supported the work of the Metro Atlanta Chamber with members of the Georgia General Assembly to maximize voter participation and ensure election integrity. Georgia-based UPS said they advocate for more equitable access to the polls and for integrity in the election process across the state and that they stand ready to continue to help in ensuring every Georgia voter has the ability to vote.
