Detroit Tigers, Red Wings Team Up With State To Boost Voter Participation

The Michigan Secretary of State’s Office is teaming up with the Tigers and the Red Wings to help surge voter turnout ahead of the November election.

All four of Detroit’s pro sports teams are now engaging in nonpartisan election support, making Detroit the only city in the nation to have that activity among its major teams, according to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Thousands of election volunteer workers will meet safely and at a distance at the Red Wings' venue, Little Caesars Arena, for training through October. The Tigers’ Comerica Park will serve as a ballot drop site if the city needs more locations.

"Elections are the foundation of our democracy and we are committed to doing all we can to support the upcoming election," Group President of Sports and Entertainment at Ilitch Holdings Inc. Chris Granger said in an Ilitch news hub post. "Not only are our facilities uniquely suited to support the needs of the community and the Secretary of State leading up to election day, our sports teams provide voices to share information and fulfill our civic obligation to encourage all Michiganders to exercise their right to vote on Nov. 3."

The teams will also use their social media accounts to educate followers about voting and elections.

"I am grateful to the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers for helping us fill these critical needs this election cycle," Benson said to Ilitch Holdings. "Leveraging the resources and unrivaled platforms of these teams will enable us to reach voters and give them the assurance that their elections will be accessible and secure…We hope that this inspires every Michigan voter to participate in our democracy."

Photo: Getty Images