JACKSON, Miss. - Secretary of State Michael Watson announces the 2026 Promote the Vote (PTV) program materials are now available through the Secretary of State's website.
This year’s 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.
"Instilling pride for voting and civic education at an early age is extremely important. Through the ‘America 250: Celebrate Today, Vote for Tomorrow!' theme, our goal is to educate the next generation of voters while encouraging them to celebrate the 250 historic years of this great nation," said Secretary Michael Watson.
PTV is the Secretary of State's comprehensive K-12 voter education program open to all public, private, parochial, and home schools. This year's program consists of a mock election as well as art, essay, and poetry contests.
The PTV art contest is available for students in grades K-12th, and the PTV essay and poetry contests are available to students in grades 6th-12th.
All art, essay, and poetry submissions are due December 11, 2026. Winners and their teachers will be invited to attend an awards ceremony in Jackson in early 2027. Thanks to the generosity of the Mississippi Business Alliance Foundation, cash prizes will be given to all winning students and teachers.
The PTV Mock Election is open to all students who are enrolled in a Mississippi school or program registered for Promote the Vote. Students will "vote" for their favorite early American president on Mock Election Day: October 20, 2026.
Anyone wishing to participate in the PTV program must register online. Registration is free, easy, and only takes a few minutes to complete. Upon registering, a confirmation email with the 2026 materials will be delivered to the email provided.
If you have any questions or need assistance registering for the PTV contests, please contact our Communications & Publications Division at PTV@sos.ms.gov or 601-359-6344.
For more information about PTV or to register to become a participating school, visit sos.ms.gov/PTV.