A general view of the outside of the stadium prior to the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds at Truist Park. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

MLB moving All-Star Game, draft out of Atlanta over Georgia voting law

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/2/21

Major League Baseball is moving the 2021 All-Star Game and draft out of Atlanta, the league announced Friday, according to The Athletic’s David O’Brien.

BREAKING NEWS: MLB is moving the All-Star Game and draft out of Atlanta this year. Just announced.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 2, 2021

The decision comes after Georgia lawmakers passed a bill that will overhaul state elections. The new law adds guidelines around mail-in ballots, voter registration and provides state officials more authority around how elections are operated.

Critics of the state’s new voting bill say it will suppress votes, particularly among people of color.

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement that the league “fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box.”

Commissioner Rob Manfred: "(MLB) fundamentally supports voting rights for all Americans and opposes restrictions to the ballot box...We will continue with our plans to celebrate the memory of Hank Aaron during this season's All-Star festivities."
Announcement of host city to come
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 2, 2021