NFL, players’ union to close facilities on Election Day

NEW YORK (AP) — All NFL and NFL Players Association facilities will close on Election Day, and the league and union will televise a one-hour program next week for players to highlight work being done to advance social justice.

The league and the players’ union said Thursday they want to “ensure that every member of the NFL family has an opportunity to exercise the precious right to vote” on Nov. 3. Both the league and union have launched get-out-thevote initiatives as well.

Next Wednesday at 9 p.m. EDT on NBC, the NFL and NFLPA said their “players and allies” will discuss their work in a variety of social justice programs.

Other plans by the league and union include:

— Sponsoring nonpartisan educational programs to ensure that players, staff, and families know how to register or obtain absentee voting material, or are able to vote on Election Day.

— Working with state officials to establish polling places at NFL stadiums.

“We will also identify safe and appropriate ways in which members of the NFL family can assist in election efforts,” the league and union said.

— Facilitating meetings with state and local elected officials and leaders of law enforcement “to discuss steps that can be taken to reduce conflict and improve relations between law enforcement and members of the community.”

“These commitments are part of a continuing effort and build on the exceptional work of players and clubs over the past several years,” the NFL and union said.