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WATCH: WNBPA issues final call to “Rock the Vote”

By Howard Megdal

People vote at outdoor booths during early voting for the mid-term elections in Pasadena, California on November 3, 2018. (Photo by Mark RALSTON / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
People vote at outdoor booths during early voting for the mid-term elections in Pasadena, California on November 3, 2018. (Photo by Mark RALSTON / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images) /
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The WNBPA finds its voice in supporting democracy.

The players of the WNBA have plenty on their minds right now. Most of them are playing overseas. Their union just opted out of the collective bargaining agreement with the league. And yet, they are taking a more active role in our democratic process.

After spending much of the summer and fall registering voters, the WNBPA members are getting one final push toward the polls on Monday, putting out a video that you can see first here at High Post Hoops.

“Rock the Vote has been hugely successful in registering and turning out millions of voters nationwide,” said Carolyn Swords, WNBPA executive committee member. “I am thrilled we have the opportunity to join forces, and to empower our fans and communities to get out and vote tomorrow!”

Swords has been working toward registering more voters in Nevada, a natural fit for the Las Vegas Aces center. But she hasn’t been alone in this initiative, not by a long shot.

“We are proud of our partnership with Rock the Vote because it gives us a real opportunity to elevate and invest in the communities where we live and play,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said. “Our objective is simple and straightforward and that is to emphasize that voting is both a right and a responsibility that we owe ourselves and each other.”

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The effort reflects a more general approach by the WNBPA to embrace the largely progressive audience that follows the league, something the league itself has also worked to connect to, from partnerships with Planned Parenthood to unabashed sentiments on behalf of Democratic candidates.

One interesting dynamic to come will be whether the new league president continues this effort. Lisa Borders, who oversaw this evolution, came from the world of electoral politics.

But with an election seen as vital to so many on Tuesday, Rock the Vote is certainly grateful for the high-profile support.

“The WNBPA is leading by example with their commitment to youth civic engagement,” said Carolyn DeWitt, president of Rock the Vote. “Athletes are uniquely positioned to empower the next generation–first time voters and communities of color­–to make their voices heard on the issues that matter most. Rock the Vote is proud to be partnering with such a powerful collective of athlete leaders to ensure we see record turnout in tomorrow’s midterm elections.”

Take a look at the final video message from the WNBPA members like Rebekkah Brunson, Chiney Ogwumike and many others.

And for everyone’s sake, go vote on Tuesday, November 6. Here’s a guide to the elections in your area, and how to go participate.

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