Dear Supervisor of Elections White:
I Am Confident You Read The Joint Statement Released By The NBA And NBPA On Friday In Which They Announce A Proactive Effort To Build Unity In Communities Across The Nation. I Commend The NBA For Their Vision And Commitment To Strengthening Our Democracy As Foundational To Our Character As A Nation.
In Their Joint Statement, The NBA And NBPA Shared, “In Every City Where The League Franchise Owns And Controls The Arena Property, Team Governors Will Continue To Work With Local Elections Officials To Convert The Facility Into A Voting Location For The 2020 General Election To Allow For A Safe In-Person Voting Option For Communities Vulnerable To COVID…” With The American Airlines Arena Owned By Miami-Dade County, We Need To Take The Steps To Ensure That Our Community Takes Part In This Opportunity For Positive Change.
From Our Past Conversations I Know You Are Dedicated To Finding A Downtown Venue To Expand Voting Accessibility, And I Would Request An Updated Briefing On The Feasibility Of The American Airlines Arena Serving As A Voting Location In November, Whether As An Early Vote Site Or Election Day Location. Further, It Seems The Arena Could Serve As A Drop-Off Site For Vote-By-Mail Ballots As The Location Provides Ample Parking And Walk-Up Areas, And Significant Space For Safe Social Distancing.
I Echo The Words Shared By Chairwoman Audrey Edmonson In The Miami Herald Story On This Topic That This Would Be Helpful For Voters, And Wholeheartedly Agree With Heat Coach Erik Spoelstra That This Would Be A Great Opportunity For Our Community. Beyond The Important Access To Safe Voting It Offers Our Residents, It Reaffirms Our Commitment As A County To Join With Others To Be Part Of This Important Redefining Moment In History.
I Look Forward To Your Assessment And I Am Hopeful That We Can Find A Path Forward To Designate The American Airlines Arena As A Voting Site For The November 2020 Election.
In Service,
Daniella Levine Cava
Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 8
Cc: Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez
Miami Heat Coach Erik Spuelstra
