North Carolina Citizens
Marsy’s Law
NC Citizen’s
Year
2017-18
Awards & Mentions
- VR Inspire
- Reality Awards
- Best Promo
Deliverables
- Branding Campaign
- Logo
- Website
- Social Media
Marsy’s Law
Sinclair PA began working for Marsy’s Law in 2017, with the goal of first getting the issue on the ballot and then passing the legislation as a constitutional amendment in North Carolina in the 2018 midterm elections. This required a 50% majority vote in favor.
Before Marsy’s Law, victims’ rights protections were in North Carolina’s constitution, but lacked statewide, enforceable language equally outlined across counties in the state. Marsy’s Law would amend the state constitution to provide an equal level of constitutional protection to victims of crime that was already afforded to the accused and convicted.
The Strategy
The campaign faced and successfully navigated several challenges. These included:
- Drafting and passing legislation through both the House and Senate
- Placing legislation on the ballot
- Getting approval in a contentious election cycle
- Facing Democratic opposition to all six amendments (“Nix All Six”)
- Countering false arguments that the legislation would allow abortion to be banned in North Carolina.
Working closely with the political team for Marsy’s Law national branch, we designed a statewide media relations and issue management campaign designed to pass Marsy’s Law in North Carolina.
Working closely with the political team for Marsy’s Law national branch, we designed a statewide media relations and issue management campaign designed to pass Marsy’s Law in North Carolina.
Digital and Print Materials
In March 2018, we updated the campaign website – marsyslawfornc.com – which included current activities and images from the campaign. The site included stories from N.C. victims of crime who shared why victims needed stronger rights.
Sinclair PA designed a series of advertisements that aired on TV, radio and digital platforms. The first TV ad ran in September and informed voters of N.C. crime victims’ lack of protections.
Digital ads were released in October that contained personal stories of N.C. crime victims who included family members of homicide victims, victims of random acts of violence at their workplace, and victims of domestic violence.
The brave personal accounts made clear the need for added protections for crime victims – such as being able to speak at court proceedings and receiving notification when the accused is released from custody.
We created and distributed yard signs and bumper stickers. These materials elevated interest in Marsy’s Law, leading voters to learn more
We created several print items, including a brochure that broke down the issue for voters. This source included answers to frequently asked questions, a list of rights that victims would receive if Marsy’s Law was approved and background on the heartbreaking story that inspired the amendment.
Team Collaboration
The Marsy’s Law field team secured endorsements from community leaders, as well as local, county and state-level elected officials. The team attended major festivals. handed out materials and yard signs, and promoted the cause at voting sites.
In addition, the consulting team helped to serve as liaisons for groups affected by Marsy’s Law including judges, district attorneys, law enforcement and victims. The collaborative efforts of these two teams allowed Marsy’s law to reach the ballot and later receive approval by state voters.
