Raptors nix voter registration event at Scotiabank Arena due to COVID-19

Golden State Warriors shoot hoops on the court after a closed practice session at the Scotiabank Arena. (Chris Young/CP)

In light of concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic and a recent surge in cases across the city, the Toronto Raptors have decided against holding a voter registration event for next month's U.S. election at Scotiabank Arena, the team announced Thursday.

The Raptors announced the initiative as part of efforts around the NBA -- and other major North American sports leagues -- to encourage civic engagement before Americans head to the polls on Nov. 3. As of last month, 20 NBA teams had offered up their facilities for voter registration drives, early voting locations and polling places.

Volunteers were planning to be at Scotiabank Arena later this week to help U.S. citizens living in the Toronto area register for absentee ballots.

Instead, the team is urging voters to request their ballots online as novel coronavirus cases have trended upward in Toronto and across the province -- reaching 229 in the city and 538 in Ontario on Thursday.

“I know firsthand how easy it is to register for an absentee ballot – I did it on my computer during our time in the NBA bubble and it was really fast and simple. The FVAP.gov site walks you through the steps and it pretty much takes no time at all,” Raptors head coach Nick Nurse said in a press release.

“We would have loved to have had the chance to see voters in person, but it’s important to remember that we’re still facing a global pandemic, and we have to look out for the well-being of our community.”

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