Come to the Cayuga Museum’s Carriage House Theater for a screening of the new documentary from Wheelhouse Creative, “Deciding Vote”, which explores the story of former New York State assemblyman, George Michaels. George Michaels was a prominent member of Auburn’s Jewish community and a veteran of World War II. He entered politics in the tumultuous era of the 1960s, and became a central figure in paving the way for abortion rights in the US when his switched vote barely passed New York’s law legalizing abortion in 1970. The screening will be followed by a Q&A discussion with the filmmakers and Michaels family.
The screening will take place in the Carriage House Theater in Auburn, NY at 7 PM on Wednesday, August 23. Admission is free, although donations are greatly appreciated. A cash bar is available. The Carriage House Theater is located at 203 Genesee St. (rear). Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the theater just off Orchard Ave. and within the surrounding neighborhood. Learn more at: cayugamuseum.org/deciding-vote or by calling 315-253-8051 with questions.
Film Description
Over 50 years ago, New York State assemblyman George Michaels cast a single vote that changed the course of American history but destroyed his political career in the process. For the first time, Deciding Vote shares the story of how Michaels defied his conservative constituents by casting the critical tie-breaking vote on a bill which legalized abortion in the state of New York, laying the groundwork for Roe v Wade. The film is a moving tribute to a now-forgotten act of political courage.
“The Deciding Vote” was recently shown at the DC/Dox Film Festival and Tribeca Film Festival. The film won the Richard D. Propes Social Impact Award at the 2023 Indy Shorts International Film Festival.
DIRECTORS
Robert Lyons, Jeremy Workman
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Doron Steger, Sherry Steger
PRODUCERS
Jeremy Workman, Robert Lyons, Melissa Jacobson
EDITORS
Kristen Bye
CINEMATOGRAPHERS
Gabriella Garcia-Pardo, Karen Rodriguez, Lynn Weissman, Jeremy Workman
