Secretary of State’s Office

Maine Constitution Essay and Poster Contest

The Secretary of State’s Office is excited to continue our most popular student program, the Maine Constitution Essay and Poster Contest. This program is designed to promote the history of Maine, an understanding of the Maine Constitution, and the importance of democracy and voting.

This contest is open to students at all grade levels. Those in grades K-3 may participate in a poster contest depicting official Maine symbols. Students in grades 4 and 5 are invited to draw posters with a Maine history theme. Students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to participate in essay contests. The essay topic for students in grades 6-8 is the Maine Constitution, while the essay topic for students in grades 9-12 is the importance of voting and democracy.

A good starting point for this contest is the Secretary of State’s Kids’ Page on the Internet. This web site is intended as a supplement to classroom studies and it can be a great resource for students as they prepare their posters or essays. Our web address is www.maine.gov/sos/kids.

A distinguished panel of judges reviews the entries and selects a winner in each category. Each of the four winners will be invited to be the Secretary of State’s guest for a day in Augusta. These students will be able to view the Maine Constitution, a particular honor, since it is only removed from its special vault on very few occasions. The students may also visit the Maine State Museum and the State House.

Contest rules and a registration form are available at: www.maine.gov/sos/kids/student-programs/const_essay.htm. The deadline for receipt of entries is March 6, 2015. Entries can be e-mailed to sos.office@maine.gov, faxed to 287-8598 or sent by mail to 148 SHS, Augusta, ME, 04333-0148. For more information, visit our website at www.maine.gov/sos/kids/student-programs/const_essay.htm or call our office at 626-8400.

Artwork by Hannah Troiano, grade 2, Saccarappa School, Westbrook