Madison Square Garden has announced that for the first time ever, will serve as a polling site in New York City for this upcoming election. It will be the largest polling site in all of NYC, serving up to 60,000 voters.
This announcement comes after pro sports teams refused to play in games in solidarity with the movements against racial injustice in our country. Using the arenas like The Garden as a polling site as well as the Staples Center in Los Angeles, was part of the agreement made between NBA players and the team officials to continue their playoff games.
This announcement is also part of a new “social justice coalition” that is being established within the organization, focusing on issues including access to voting.
“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.”
This will be the first time The Garden in its 52-year history will open to voters in a general election.
Voting booths will be at Madison Square Garden’s Chase Square, at the 7th Avenue entrance between 31st and 33rd Streets.
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.
Photo: Getty