Milwaukee Bucks announce 'Bucks Vote' to educate, engage Wisconsin voters

Given the choice of what inspirational message to put on the back of his jersey, Milwaukee Bucks swingman Wesley Matthews chose “VOTE” and the Bucks organization is dedicating time and effort to that cause.  

On Tuesday, the day of the primary election, the Bucks revealed their initiative to help Wisconsin voters learn how to register to vote, how to vote absentee, the role of elected officials and how to work at a polling site.  

“What we’re doing is not partisan,” said Alex Lasry, senior vice president of the Bucks. “It’s about getting people registered to vote. It’s about getting information out there, how to vote, the role of our elected officials, how to fill out ballots, how to work at polling stations, et cetera. It’s trying to make our democracy work a little better.” 

The Bucks plan on launching a website, along with using the teams’ social and digital media channels, to provide information to those with questions about the voting process and how to get involved.  

“It’s not just for presidential elections,” Lasry said, adding the organization plans on having information related to local elections. “Letting people know what it takes to get registered, who the candidates are, what’s going on, for us it’s a core part of what we believe in."

Lasry said the idea came from a meeting in June between players, ownership and executives about ways to create more equity in the community. Voting came up in the discussion. 

“After talking with our players and the organization, we realized voting initiatives and voting rights is a big thing and where we think we can have a real and important impact,” Lasry said. “An important impact but also, I think, a sustainable and long-lasting impact.” 

The Bucks have partnered with the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and his voting rights group, More Than A Vote, to make the Fiserv Forum available as a potential voting site.  

Lasry said NBA officials have been supportive of the Bucks’ efforts.  

“The league is very supportive of any effort to increase voter turnout,” Lasry said. “One of the biggest things for the Bucks, the NBA and all the players is social justice and racial justice. And the biggest change is going to happen at the voting booth.

“Everyone is trying to find a way to stop what’s going on and create social justice and racial justice in Milwaukee and across the state,” Lasry said. “We saw this as the best way to have a real impact in the community.”