Voters' Pamphlet art contest open for students
The 2012 General Election Voters' Pamphlet featured artwork from a 9-year-old elementary student. Students in grades 4 and 5 are invited to participate this year.
OLYMPIA - Fourth and fifth-grade students from across the state are invited to enter art into a contest with the winning submission to be featured in the 2013 Washington State General Election Voters' Pamphlet.
The theme for this year's contest, sponsored by the Office of Secretary of State, is "I am a change maker." The art contest is an opportunity for the state's youngest citizens to be a part of elections and think about what they would value as voters, said the press release issued by the Secretary of State's office.
The winning artist also will receive a surprise visit from Secretary of State Kim Wyman at his or her school.
"The art contest is a good, fun way for students to think about voting and elections," Wyman said. "I look forward to seeing some of the top artwork submitted and meeting the contest winner."
Wyman hopes by sponsoring kids' programs such as this contest, the state's youth will learn to appreciate democracy and choose to participate as voters when they turn 18, she said.
Students must be in fourth or fifth grade and live in the state and the art must reflect the theme. More rules and the entry form can be found at www.sos.wa.gov/elections/kidsartcontest.aspx. Students have until April 19 to submit artwork.
Last year, 3.5 million Voters' Pamphlets were distributed statewide.