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All-Star Major League Baseball game moved from Georgia after state passes controversial voting laws

The law includes strengthening of voter ID on absentee ballots, as well as the banning of water being given out in polling queues.

Friday 2 April 2021 22:45, UK

FILE - Cardboard cutouts of fans in the otherwise empty seats face the field during the sixth inning of a baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays in Atlanta, in this Thursday, July 30, 2020, file photo. Georgia鈥檚 new voting law _ which critics claim severely limits access to the ballot box, especially for people of color _ has prompted calls from as high as the White House to consider moving the midsummer classic out of Atlanta. The game is set for July 13 at Truist Park, the
Image: Truist Park in Atlanta will no longer hold the high-profile game. Pic: AP
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Major League Baseball (MLB) has moved its upcoming All-Star Game out of Georgia, after the US state passed a controversial voting law.

The law in question features new restrictions on mail-in voting, as well as more control over how elections in Georgia are run.

It also includes the strengthening of voter identification on absentee ballots, as well as the banning of food and drink being given out in voting queues, and was signed into law last week.

Robert D. Manfred Jr., commissioner, during the presentation of the Roberto Clemente Award before Game 3 of the Major League Baseball World Series between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs on October 28, 2016 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Mike Janes/Four Seam Images via AP)
Image: Robert Manfred made the decision to move the game. File pic: Mike Janes/Four Seam Images via AP

Critics of the Republican-sponsored bill say that it aims to suppress the voting rights of ethnic minorities in the wake of last November's election.

In response, the MLB has pulled the All-Star Game on 8 March from state capital Atlanta.

Commissioner Robert Manfred, who runs the league, said in a statement: "Over the last week, we have engaged in thoughtful conversations with clubs, former and current players, the Players Association, and The Players Alliance, among others, to listen to their views.

"I have decided that the best way to demonstrate our values as a sport is by relocating this year's All-Star Game and MLB Draft.

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"Major League Baseball fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box.

"Fair access to voting continues to have our game's unwavering support."

Mr Manfred added a new venue would be announced shortly.

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The Atlanta Braves, who play at the stadium, said they were "saddened" by the decision.

The team said: "This was neither our decision, nor our recommendation and we are saddened that fans will not be able to see this event in our city.

"The Braves organization will continue to stress the importance of equal voting opportunities and we had hoped our city could use this event as a platform to enhance the discussion.

"Our city has always been known as a uniter in divided times and we will miss the opportunity to address issues that are important to our community.

"Unfortunately, businesses, employees and fans in Georgia are the victims of this decision."

President Joe Biden, a fierce critic of the bill, had previously said he "strongly" supported moving the game out of Atlanta.

Georgia's Republican governor, Brian Kemp, accused the MLB of having "caved to fear", saying: "I will not back down. Georgians will not be bullied.

"We will continue to stand up for secure, accessible, fair elections. Earlier today, I spoke with the leadership of the Atlanta Braves who informed me they do not support the MLB's decision."

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