Major League Baseball (MLB) just announced a few days ago that they would be moving the annual All-Star Game out of the chosen city of Atlanta, to Denver, Colorado. Why did they make this move? Well the short answer to that question is due to voter ID laws in Georgia, where it is required to show ID before voting. Once again this move by the MLB is very controversial, and is a two party argument.

The commissioner of the MLB, Rob Manfred, said the other day that, “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.” Manfred and the MLB decided on moving the All-Star Game to Denver, where Coors Field will now play host. Coors Field is a fan favorite stadium due to the fact that the ball travels much farther because of the thin air, which will make for a very entertaining home run derby. But, what comes along with the move to Colorado, is more controversy. In Colorado, they already have voter ID Laws, but the restrictions are much more loose only requesting a non-photo ID, while in Georgia it is required you have a photo ID. DHS Sophomore Charlie Salmore said, “I’m not a huge fan of the move, I think it is better to keep political issues out of the sports world, because moves like this I feel only create more controversy in our country.” Many people would agree with Salmore’s statements, while others feel very differently, and that is usually how things go in America these days.

The issue of voter ID really started after the 2020 election, where president Donald Trump claimed the election was filled with fraud, and one of the solutions to fix the fraud was to mandate photo ID at the polls. Democrats however feel voter ID rules restrict minorities, especially African Americans, from their rights to vote. They feel that African Americans do not obtain photo ID’s as much or they cannot get them as easily compared to other racial groups. The thing is though, photo ID is used for many everyday activities, such as driving a car, going on an airplane, and buying drinks at a bar. All these activities we do everyday usually require to show a photo ID, so why would showing a photo ID at the polls be an issue? That is a question many people are trying to get to the bottom of. Going back to the MLB though, the reason they moved the All-Star Game goes along with the belief that photo ID laws restrict the right to vote for minorities, which has enraged but also pleased many people.

Even though there is lots of controversy, all MLB fans can agree they are very excited about having the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in Colorado. The last time the All-Star Game was held in Colorado was in 1998, back when Ken Griffey Jr won the Home Run Derby. Colorado already hosts almost 50% capacity currently, so by mid-July we can expect almost a full house for the All-Star Game which will be exciting. DHS Sophomore Braden Schenk feels, “I’m very excited for the All-Star Game, especially the Home Run Derby since the ball caries much farther in Colorado. There’s probably going to be long home runs!”

Even through the controversy of the voter ID laws, almost everyone can unanimously agree Colorado is a great place to host all of the stars in the MLB, and this years All-Star weekend will be one to remember.