Michael Quinn

As election season comes to a close, NBA players, coaches, and personnel advocated that people get out and vote. The 2020 election saw a record-breaking voter increase, and registered voters within the NBA also saw a significant increase. Players did everything they could in making sure that their family, friends, fans, and themselves were registered to vote. 

The increase stemmed from a report from Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, stating that “only about 20% of eligible NBA players voted in the last election.” Despite the low turnout among players in the past, players this year set a goal to change that, and they did so drastically. 

The NBA and Players Association concluded that over 90% of eligible NBA players were registered to vote for the 2020 election. According to Players Association President, Chris Paul, “15 teams are 100 percent registered.” Going from 20% to over 90% is a huge accomplishment for the league, and goes to show how hard they pushed the topic of voting and encouraged others to register.

Since the NBA resumed play, players and coaches alike were consistent in making voting an important part of their return. From speaking on the topic in interviews and commercials, to putting the word “vote” on the back of their jerseys in place of their name, players and others within the NBA made sure their platform was put to good use.