Bloglander

Hey, kids, voting is just one more thing you can’t do until you’re older. But Washington would like all of you young citizens to be ready when the time comes, so the Secretary of State is calling on all fourth- and fifth-graders to help with art for the 2013 Voters’ Pamphlet.

“Voter participation is important for a healthy democracy. Secretary of State Kim Wyman is personally committed to increasing voter participation, especially among young people. Secretary Wyman hopes that by sponsoring kids' program such as the art contest, Washington’s youngest citizens will learn to appreciate our democracy and choose to participate as voters when they turn 18.”

This year’s theme is “I am a change maker.” The winning entry will be featured in the voters’ pamphlet sent out to millions of people, and the winner will get a surprise visit at school from Wyman.

And this is your last chance to enter, young procrastinators. All entries are must be received in Olympia with an entry form by this Friday, April 19.

• Like any contest, there are some other rules:
• Artists must be in 4th or 5th grade in Washington state.
• One entry per student. 
• Art must be created on a non-lined white piece of paper that is at least 5 inches by 5 inches, but no larger than 7 by 9.

That’s quite a bit smaller than your standard piece of printer paper, so time to get the ruler out. None of the previous winners seem to be 3D mixed media, but there’s no specific rule against it. You can view some of the previous winners here.