With an important national election just around the corner, Live Nation is attempting to do its part in making it easier for people to vote. This includes offering up a handful of their venues as polling places, as well as giving employees paid time off to vote and partnering with organizations that are working towards greater voter turnout.
Said president and CEO of Live Nation Michael Rapino in a statement:
“Core to what we do at Live Nation is helping amplify voices on stage around the world, and supporting voting is another important way we want to continue making voices heard. We’re honored to work with such incredible partners and will do everything in our power to support and empower voter engagement among our employees and the public.”
The company has already secured a handful of the more than 100 venues they have launched inquiries into for the upcoming election. These include The Wiltern and Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, Emo’s in Austin and the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta. In Philadelphia, the company is in the final stages of getting The Fillmore approved for voting in that jurisdiction.
The communities these venues would serve are grateful for the help. “Live Nation is going above and beyond by recognizing that elections are about more than just polling places. They’re about our communities,” said city commissioner of Philadelphia Al Schmidt. “Live Nation is really stepping up to help during this challenging time — and we are grateful.”
Los Angeles County registrar-recorder/county clerk Dean C. Logan expressed similar sentiments:
“We are proud to partner with Live Nation and announce The Hollywood Palladium and The Wiltern will be Vote Centers in the upcoming presidential general election. Live Nation has stepped up to the mic in providing our community safe in-person voting experiences at two iconic music venues. It is collaborations such as this that demonstrate the spirit of community engagement and the strength of our democracy.”
Live Nation isn’t working alone to make sure more people will be able to vote in the election. The company has partnered with More Than A Vote, “a coalition of black athletes and artists” dedicated to protecting voter rights,” as well as Civic Alliance, “a non-partisan coalition of businesses working together to build a future where everyone can vote, volunteer, and take action to shape our country,” in their efforts to make voting more accessible.
Said More Than A Vote EVP of public affairs Michael Tyler:
“By converting their concert venues into voting locations, Live Nation is creating a safe and convenient way for people to exercise their right to vote this fall. Similar to the sports arenas, More Than A Vote has worked to convert into voting locations, many of Live Nation’s venues are located in the heart of the communities that we are committed to empowering in this election and offer the same COVID protections due to their large capacity.”
The company is also working with Power To The Polls to help in their efforts to curb the shortage of poll workers by recruiting more people to volunteer for the position in their communities. While Live Nation employees usually get a paid half day off for voting, those who volunteer to work the polls will get a full paid day off for their participation.
Finally, Live Nation is partnering with non-partisan voting group HeadCount to help get people registered to vote. Through the company’s link, citizens can check their voter registration, as well as learn more about participating in the democratic process.
The general election takes place on November 3, 2020. Depending on where you live, early voting and mail-in voting may also be available.
