The Oklahoma City Thunder organization announced Tuesday that it will hold voter registration drives inside Chesapeake Energy Arena on Saturdays leading up to the registration deadline.
Registration at the arena will be available from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. from Sept. 12 through Oct. 4.
People will be given free access to computers, printers, postage-paid envelopes and other voting resources. They can also apply for absentee ballots.
Voting information will also be available at the arena Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays beginning Sept. 14.
This is part of the social justice reforms the Thunder and rest of the NBA agreed to last week after the players went on strike.
With the Thunder Vote initiative, the organization hopes to emphasize the importance of voting and provide resources to help more people vote.
“This is a non-partisan initiative to ensure that all eligible citizens in our community have the access and support they need to register, vote and have their voices heard in all federal, state and local elections. This has become a permanent priority of the Thunder organization,” Thunder vice president of Community Relations Christine Berney said in a statement.
The organization will also try to encourage people to participate in the U.S. Census.
Additionally, team offices will be closed on state and federal election days to allow staff more time to vote or volunteer at polling sites.
“Voting is an absolute cornerstone of our democracy and the Thunder is proud to help spread the message of the importance of registering and voting,” Berney said.
