Maine Poster and Essay Contests

Image of State Symbols

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. We received a total of 208 entries for the 2025 program from students all over the state of Maine.

Students at the kindergarten through 5th grade level create a poster:

Students at the middle/high school levels write an essay:

  • Students in grades 6-8 write an essay on the Maine Constitution; 
    • 2026 Prompt: As we prepare for America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, citizens across the nation are reflecting on what being an American means, and how our history has shaped our culture today. Each individual state within the United States has it’s own unique culture and identity that contributes to the fabric of broader American culture. Thinking about the culture and identity of Maine, reflect on what being a Mainer means to you and choose a section of Article 1, the Declaration of Rights, of the Maine State constitution that you believe exemplifies these values.
  • Students in grades 9-12 write an essay on the importance of voting and democracy.
    • 2026 Prompt: Voting is a constitutional right for eligible Americans once they turn 18, and in Maine you never lose your right to vote. Sometimes, voting is called a “civic responsibility” by those who believe that people who possess the right to vote should do so in every election they are eligible to vote in. Do you believe that voting is a civic responsibility? Why or why not?  

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 press release about contest winners. Each student who submits an entry will receive a participation certificate.

Program Rules

Posters

  1. Posters may not exceed 15" x 24" in size.
  2. Each poster must be clearly marked with the student's name, grade, and school name on the back.
  3. All poster submissions must be received via mail for judging. Submissions via email will not be accepted.

Essays

  1. All essays should not exceed 1500 words.
  2. Essays should be emailed to Vanessa.Diaz.Gaumond@Maine.Gov in PDF format with the subject line ESSAY SUBMISSION(S) FOR [CONTEST]. File names should include the students name and contest they are submitting for. For Example: Jane Smith Constitution Essay

General Information

  1. All essays and posters will be judged on the following criteria:
    • Originality
    • Dedication to contest theme
    • Knowledge of topic
  2. Return of essays and posters cannot be guaranteed.
  3. Entries should be submitted with the registration form (PDF). A separate registration form should be used for each grade level/category. Educators submitting entries for multiple students should only use one registration form. Entries are due March 13, 2026.

Contact


Office of the Secretary of State
148 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0148
Telephone: 207-626-8400
FAX: 207-287-8598

Send email to: sos.office@maine.gov