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WHAT IS PROMOTE THE VOTE?

Promote the Vote (PTV) is the Secretary of State Office’s comprehensive K-12 voter education program. Students will have the opportunity to participate in school-organized mock elections and will apply other skills through various PTV contests, such as art, essay, and poetry contests. The Mississippi Business Alliance (MSBA) partners with the Agency to encourage school, teacher, and student participation.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

The program is open to all teachers and students in grades K-12. We encourage participation by public, private, and parochial schools as well as home school associations.

DOES IT COST ANYTHING TO PARTICIPATE?

Promote the Vote is a free program offered to all schools and teachers in the State of Mississippi by the State. All classroom materials are available for download after registration.  For questions or assistance, please email ptv@sos.ms.gov.

2026 PROMOTE THE VOTE THEME 

The 2026 PTV theme, "America 250: Celebrate Today, Vote for Tomorrow!" encourages students to commemorate 250 years of American democracy by exploring the importance of voting and civic participation in Mississippi and throughout the nation.

Art Contest (Grades K-12)

Grades K-2: Draw what makes Mississippi special as America celebrates turning 250 years old.

Grades 3-5: Students may choose from the following two options: 

  • Prompt 1:  Design a patriotic voting-themed poster featuring Mississippi and/or American landmarks.
  • Prompt 2:  Design a campaign poster for your favorite Mississippi symbol: Magnolia, Mockingbird, Catfish, or the Mississippi River.

 Grades 6-12: Students may choose from the following two options: 

  • Prompt 1:  Design a patriotic voting-themed poster featuring Mississippi and/or American landmarks.
  • Prompt 2:  Design a campaign poster celebrating 250 years of democracy.

Essay Contest (Grades 6-12)  

Students may choose from the following options:

  • Prompt 1:  Why is the right to vote considered a cornerstone of democracy? Provide historical and modern examples.
  • Prompt 2:  What does “America 250” mean to you personally as a student in Mississippi?
  • Prompt 3:  How has voting shaped the history of the United States over the past 250 years?

Poetry Contest (Grades 6-12)

Students may choose from the following two options: 

  • Prompt 1:  Create a poem that connects Mississippi’s past and future in America’s story.
  • Prompt 2:  Write a poem that contrasts silence vs. voice in civic life and democracy.

 

Mock Election (Grades K-12)

This year, students will have the opportunity to organize and participate in a mock election featuring several of America’s early presidents. Before casting their ballots, students are encouraged to research each candidate and learn about their contributions, leadership, and impact on the nation. Through this hands-on activity, students can experience the voting process while gaining a deeper understanding of American history. This year’s Promote the Vote Mock Election Day will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.