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Ford Field to hold ballots & election equipment on election night

Posted at 1:09 PM, Aug 25, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-25 13:09:22-04

(WXYZ) — The Detroit Lions have become the latest Detroit professional sports team to partner with the Michigan Department of State ahead of the 2020 election.

The Lions and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson will partner to protect election integrity and promote voter awareness.

One of those ways is by using Ford Field to host receiving boards on election night. The stadium will be the place where election workers will deliver ballots and equipment after the polls close to be secured in case they are needed after Election Day. Ford Field will host 8 of the city's 12 receiving boards.

On top of that, Lions personnel will serve as election workers and Election Day will be a paid day off.

Players and coaches will also be in PSA videos.

“I am so proud that the Detroit Lions are the first NFL team in the country to announce their plans to dedicate their arena, staff, and other resources to support our elections,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “Their leadership comes at a crucial time for our democracy and will fill critical needs for our voters and the City of Detroit.”

In July, the Pistons announced they would partner with the state and that the team's practice facility would serve as a satellite center for the primary election.