NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION UNVEILS RADIO SPOTS ON POTENTIAL CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION AND VOTING RIGHTS

ALBANY, NY (09/29/2015)(readMedia)-- The New York State Bar Association has launched a series of informational radio announcements about amending the state Constitution and the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.

Narrated by State Bar President David P. Miranda, the spots will be broadcast on upstate commercial radio stations until mid-October. Each topic is covered in 30- and 60-second versions.

The first spot explains that New York voters will decide in 2017 whether to authorize a convention to weigh changes to the state Constitution. Such a vote, every 20 years, is required by the Constitution itself. Miranda recently appointed a State Bar committee to study issues surrounding a potential constitutional convention. Updates on the committee will be available at www.nysba.org/NYConstitution.

The second spot pays tribute to individuals who fought for their constitutional right to vote, and to the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, which lifted poll taxes, literacy tests and other unjust practices.

Miranda ends the message saying, "Join us in honoring those who fought to let their voices be heard at the ballot box-this year, and every Election Day-by exercising your right to vote. "

The Non-Commercial Sustaining Announcements were produced and distributed in coordination with the New York State Broadcasters Association. They are part of the State Bar's ongoing campaign to educate the public about legal issues that affect the lives of New Yorkers.

The 74,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in 1876.

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You can listen to the radio ads at www.nysba.org/miranda, or view the scripts below:

Understanding the Constitutional Convention Script (60 seconds) www.nysba.org/miranda

I'm Dave Miranda, President of the New York State Bar Association...

As New Yorkers, we'll soon have a unique opportunity to consider how our state government functions-and to decide whether it's time for a change.

Every 20 years, our state Constitution lets the voters decide if we want to revise our state Constitution through a Constitutional Convention.

That question will be on your ballot in just two years.

Now is the time to engage in a statewide conversation about whether our State Constitution needs updating.

Our state Constitution affects the everyday lives of New Yorkers...from our children's education and our criminal justice system, to protecting our Adirondack Park.

The New York State Bar Association formed a special committee to examine our Constitution, and to see if there's a better way.

Please go to NYSBA.org for updates-and information-on how we can all be part of a thoughtful discussion on our great state's future.

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Understanding the Constitutional Convention Script (30 seconds)

Hi, I'm Dave Miranda, president of the New York State Bar Association.

Every 20 years, New Yorkers get to revise our state constitution. Two years from now, we'll vote on whether to hold a Constitutional Convention.

Our state Constitution affects the everyday lives of New Yorkers, from how we educate our children-to how our courts are run.

The State Bar Association formed a special committee on our Constitution to see if there's a better way.

Educate yourself today by visiting NYSBA.org.

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The History of Voting Rights Script (60 seconds)

Hi, I'm Dave Miranda, President of the New York State Bar Association...

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act... and of a protest in Selma that inspired a generation to march for change.

That demonstration inspired our nation to reject inequality at the polls... a struggle that existed in states and cities throughout our nation...

With the passage of the Voting Rights Act, all Americans are able to enjoy their constitutional right to vote without unjust practices such as poll taxes, literacy tests... or violence.

The Voting Rights Act is one of the most far-reaching pieces of civil rights legislation in our nation's history.

Through the bravery of those who led the way 50 years ago, every American enjoyed the right to vote, and voter participation surged throughout our country.

Join us in honoring those who fought to let their voices be heard at the ballot box-this year, and every Election Day-by exercising your right to vote.

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The History of Voting Rights Script (30 seconds)

I'm Dave Miranda, President of the New York State Bar Association...

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act.

The Act helped all Americans enjoy their constitutional right to vote without unjust practices such as poll taxes, literacy tests... or violence.

Join us in honoring those who fought to let their voices be heard at the ballot box-this year, and every Election Day-by exercising your right to vote.