New York State Push to Attract More Jurors
By: Cierra Putman
Updated: August 8, 2012
Have you answered the call to serve as a juror? New York State has a new campaign to get more people in the jury box.
The new slogan is "Now it's your turn to make a difference". The plan goes hand in hand with our local district's attempt to get more jurors signed up - particularly minorities.
New "Now it's your turn to make a difference" posters just came out this week. The poster shows group of people of different ethnicity and genders. A diverse group that the state hopes will reflect the jury pool.
The poster states jury duty is the quote the "American" way, and explains that juries make decisions that affect the entire community.
Monroe County, in particular, needs more minority jurors.
Only seven percent of jurors in the county are African American, although the group makes up 12 percent of the population.
Locally, the county is working on a plan for months to diversify the jury pool. Teaming up with churches, community groups and hopefully this fall the Rochester City School District.
To learn more about how to become a juror or to volunteer call 585-428-5370 or go to www.nyjuror.gov.
