Film Lens
Deciding Vote is a 2023 short documentary about Assemblyman George M. Michaels and his pivotal tie-breaking vote on New York's abortion bill in 1970. Directed by Jeremy Workman and Robert J. Lyons, the film chronicles how Michaels, representing a conservative Catholic district, switched his vote at the last minute, ensuring the passage of abortion rights in New York. This decision had a significant impact on American history, influencing the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision.
The film, which runs for 20 minutes, was first presented at various film festivals before its release by The New Yorker on November 29, 2023. It received critical acclaim, being Oscar Shortlisted for Best Short Documentary and nominated for Most Outstanding Short Documentary at the 45th News and Documentary Emmy Awards. The documentary captures the consequences of Michaels' vote, which not only changed the legislative landscape but also ended his political career.
Why Watch
- •Meet Assemblyman George M. Michaels, a key figure in abortion rights.
- •See how one vote changed American history in 1970.
- •Find out about the impact of Michaels' decision on his career.
Did You Know
•Assemblyman George M. Michaels switched his vote at the last minute in 1970.
•The film was released by The New Yorker on November 29, 2023.
•Deciding Vote was Oscar Shortlisted for Best Short Documentary.
•The documentary has a runtime of 20 minutes.
Perfect For
Abortion rights historyPolitical documentaries1970s American politics