The Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Dallas Wings (WNBA), Texas Legends (G League), and Mavs Gaming (NBA 2K) have come together to form the Count It Coalition, a nonpartisan coalition of North Texas professional basketball teams committed to promoting local and national civic engagement, raising awareness and increasing DFW voter access and participation for the current election, Census and beyond.
In partnership with various local organizations, the Count It Coalition aims to amplify citizens’ voices through a four phased approach:
Phase 1: Voter Registration & Census – Every Voice Matters!
With events and promotions across North Texas, the Count It Coalition will encourage fans to register to vote and register with the 2020 Census.
“It’s so important for us to come together with the Wings, the Legends and Mavs Gaming to offer these services. It’s about really giving the community an opportunity to engage in their civic activity,” Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall said. “Our workplace promise at the Mavs is every voice matters. And everybody belongs. This is truly about every voice matters, because your vote is your voice.”
On a rainy National Voter Registration Day, September 22nd, both the Dallas Mavericks and Texas Legends hosted drive-through registration events at their respective venues, in the parking lot of the Dallas Mavericks offices across from American Airlines Center and at Comerica Center, home to the Texas Legends. With the help of partner March to the Polls, and volunteer deputy registrars, the teams registered more than 260 voters in one day. In total, more than 4,600 registration cards have been distributed to date and more than 13,000 fans engaged in voter registration efforts.
“Our team has committed to furthering voter registration, education, and access to ensure that our community knows the importance of civic engagement,” said Legends President and General Manager Malcolm Farmer. “Our staff is locked in on this goal and we are excited to join forces with the Mavs, Wings, and Mavs Gaming to spread the message that every voice matters and we’re here to help you make your voice heard.”
“We are honored to work with the Dallas Mavericks, Texas Legends and Mavs Gaming in forming the Count It Coalition,” Dallas Wings President & CEO Greg Bibb stated. “It is important we continue to utilize our public platform to promote civic engagement by providing election information and resources, drive voter registration, inspire action at the polls and encourage 2020 Census participation. Every voice, every vote counts and true representation is only achieved when we all participate in our democracy.”
In addition to voter registration, Count It Coalition members spread awareness about the importance of the 2020 Census and its impact on congressional representation and billions of dollars in public funding for the community over the next 10 years. Fans were encouraged to “Be heard. Be seen. Be counted.” and complete the Census prior to the recently extended October 5 deadline.
Phase 2: Know Before You Vote!
Each team in the Count It Coalition will promote civic engagement and education through online hubs featuring non-partisan information on voting procedures, locations, candidates, ballots and other resources in their respective counties.
Digital campaigns and PSAs will encourage fans to be informed and educated before they vote, as well as to develop a plan for how they will vote during Early Voting October 13 – 30 or on Election Day November 3rd.
Phase 3: Every VOTE Matters! Early Voting & Have Your Voice Heard on November 3rd!
Leading up to Early Voting and Election Day, the Count It Coalition will host a streaming event with Mavs Gaming to engage the e-sports community and promote civic participation. Celebrity streamers including Dallas Maverick Seth Curry, Mavs Gaming players, Texas Legends Antonius Cleveland and Dallas Wings star Allisha Gray will join the stream to build awareness and encourage all fans to vote and have their voice heard on November 3rd. Further details on the gaming event will be announced soon.
“We’re thrilled to be able to join the Count It Coalition and encourage Mavs Gaming fans to get out and vote,” said Nathan Davis, Director of Mavs Gaming. “We want young people and everyone in the e-sports community to use their voice and be heard. Make a plan now: make sure you are registered by October 5th, pick your polling location and schedule when you will go. It’s so important.”
In an effort to increase access and participation of voters, Count It Coalition members will serve as hosts for polling locations at their arenas and/or campuses across North Texas:
Mavs CEO Cynt Marshall adds, “People literally died so that we could vote. We have to remember that. We have to honor that. Let’s make sure they didn’t die in vain.”
Phase 4: November 4th & Beyond
Even after November 3rd, through collaborative efforts with local partners, organizations and community groups, the Count It Coalition will work collectively to promote civic awareness and engagement on a local level through local elections and civic participation going forward.
o Dallas Mavericks: https://www.mavs.com/vote/
o Texas Legends: https://www.texlegends.com/vote
o Dallas Wings: https://wings.wnba.com/count-it-coalition/
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