FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 28, 2025

Maine Constitution Poster and Essay Contest Accepting Entries

The Maine Constitution Poster and Essay Contest through the Secretary of State’s office is now accepting entries. Entries are due March 7, 2025.

The Maine Poster and Essay Contests are designed to promote the history of Maine, the Maine Constitution, and the importance of democracy and voting. This program is open to Maine students at all grade levels. In 2024 we received 162 entries from students all over Maine.

“It brings me hope and happiness to see the student engagement on discussions of Maine history and of our constitution,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “I believe these projects are just one step in our youth’s investment in the future of our democracy.”

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade create a poster. Students in grades K-3 draw posters of official Maine symbols and students in grades four and five draw posters of a Maine history theme of their choice.

Students at the middle/high school levels write an essay from a writing prompt. The prompt for students in grades 6-8 is, “Choose an article of the Maine State Constitution that you believe is the most important and describe why.” The prompt for students in grades 9-12 is, “Research and describe an aspect of Maine voting law that you believe most greatly benefits our democracy.”

“We love seeing how creative students of all ages are in how they think about Maine history, symbols, and the topics of the constitution and democracy,” said Vannessa Diaz Gaumond, Youth Engagement Coordinator. “It's a great way for students to be recognized for their civic knowledge and interest in democracy.”

Winning entries will receive an award certificate, a ceremony at the Office of the Secretary of State or at their school, and inclusion in a news release about contest winners. Each student who submits an entry will receive a participation certificate.

For more details, visit the poster and essay contest page on the Secretary of State website.

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