Future Mississippi voters are learning about U.S. democracy and its foundation grounded in elections through a unique awards program of the Secretary of State Office.
The Promote the Vote (PTV) program geared to K-12 encompasses a statewide mock election, an essay contest, and an art contest. Secretary of State Michael Watson has just honored winners in the 2020 Promote the Vote (PTV) program.
The 2020 theme, “The Future of My Vote,” encouraged students to think outside of the [ballot] box and imagine what our state's overall election process might look like in the year 2060. After a tough judging process, 24 students from across the state were selected as 2020 Promote the Vote Program winners.
The theme and the registration start date for the 2021 Promote the Vote program will be announced on the Secretary of State Office website and social media accounts before the end of the 2020-2021 school year. The Office encourages participation of public, private, charter, and parochial schools as well as home school associations.
"Educating our future leaders and voters about the election process here in Mississippi and encouraging them to engage are core functions of our office," said Secretary Watson. "I love seeing and hearing their ideas expressed through thought-provoking artwork and essays. We want to make sure they know we care about them voting and are here to protect Mississippi’s elections system."
Watson's office partnered with the Education arm of Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) to encourage school, teacher, and student participation. In addition to the art and essay contests, MPB organized a social media contest as a way to keep students engaged during an unprecedented school year.
“Mississippi Public Broadcasting is proud to once again partner with our friends at the Secretary of State’s Office on this essential program,” said Ronnie Agnew, MPB Executive Director. “This initiative is vital toward helping students understand the importance of voting and the elections process. Through this program, seeds have been planted that exercising the right to vote is a civic duty. It is my belief that participation in this initiative will instill in these students that voters matter.”