Last month marked two important milestones: the 45th anniversary of the enactment of the Voting Rights Act, and the 90th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. These important laws solidified the right to vote for all Americans.

As Law School Democrats, we are committed to upholding these laws and ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to cast a ballot that counts. That is why I am asking you to help kick-off the 2010-2011 school year by organizing a voter registration drive and event commemorating the passage of these two important Democratic milestones at your law school.

On Sunday, September 12 from 4- 8 p.m. the New York Democratic Law Students Council will be holding a Fall Semester Kickoff and Leadership Training Event in New York City. Even if your chapter is not located in New York, this is an excellent way to kick-off fall semester. You will have the opportunity to learn about election day voter protection opportunities, learn how NDLSC and NYDLC can help your chapter, and mingle with fellow law students and lawyers involved in Democratic politics.

Calling All Law Students/Lawyers/Legal Professionals,

The DNC recently launched a voter protection volunteer signup page (www.mybarackobama.com/voterprotection2010) which will allow attorneys, law students and others to sign up to volunteer with voter protection programs across the country.

We will be working with the DNC on these programs to staff polling places on Election Day and during Early Vote. This is an excellent opportunity to get involved in Democratic politics, and learn more about voting rights.

After reviewing several terrific applications, the NDLSC Executive Board is proud to announce that Washington, D.C., The City of Magnificent Distances, will play host to our 2010 National Convention March 12-14th.   We want to thank all those that applied, and offer our congratulations to our host chapters at George Washington University Law School and Columbus Law School at The Catholic University of America.  

Fellow Democrats:   Christmas. Hanukkah. Kwanzaa. Dawali. Solstice. No matter our traditions, as the weather turns cold and the days shorten, our thoughts turn to reflection on the year past, celebration of those we hold dear, and anticipation of the year ahead. At NDLSC, that means planning for our 2010 National Convention at George Washington University Law School and Columbus Law School at The Catholic University of America, March 12-14th, 2009.  

In November 2009, the challenges that we face are a test to our commitment to the ideas and hope of one year ago. We are in another pivotal moment. We must Make November Count AGAIN! There is no better way to recommit yourself to the vision of a hopeful future than to support an organization of young lawyers with a simple but noble purpose - to ensure fairness in the voting process, using the law as both a shield and a sword. Please make November count again by donating to the National Democratic Law Students Council.   To donate now, click here.

In mid-September NDLSC appointed Joel Murray Vice President of Voting Rights. Joel will work with to educate member organizations about voting rights and voter initiatives. Feel free to contact Joel with questions or thoughts about voting rights projects at jmurray@lawschooldems.org.   Joel is a second-year student at the University of California, Davis, School of Law.