Vermont Secretary of State’s Essay and Poster
Contest Announced
Contest to
Promote History of Vermont, the Vermont Constitution and the Importance
of Voting
Montpelier. Secretary of State Deb
Markowitz today announced the 2002 Vermont Secretary of State’s Essay
and Poster Contest. This is a joint project of the Secretary of State’s
office and Kids Voting Vermont. Markowitz said "I am hopeful students
will take part in this contest that promotes the history of Vermont, the
Vermont Constitution and the importance of voting."
This Vermont Secretary of State’s Essay and
Poster Contest is open to students at all grade levels. Poster
Contest:
- Grades K-2 - Official Vermont
Symbols
- Grades 3-5 - Vermont History
Theme
- Grades 6-8 - Write an essay involving the
Vermont Constitution
Article 20, Chapter I of the Vermont Constitution gives
Vermonters the right to "instruct their Representatives." Section 16 of
Chapter II of the Constitution requires Representatives to use the "best
of [their] judgement and ability" in acting as "guardian[s] of the
people." If you were a member of the Vermont House of Representatives
and in your judgement a bill would benefit Vermont, but your
constituents opposed it, how would you vote, and
why?
- Grades 9-12 - Write an essay involving the
importance of voting.
In 1971 the 26th Amendment to the US Constitution
lowered the voting age for Federal Elections to 18. Vermont not only
lowered the voting age that same year, but also extended the full range
of rights, obligations and privileges of citizenship to 18 to 20 year
olds. However, in 1986, noting that 17 to 20 year olds accounted for
nearly 25% of all alcohol related car accidents, Vermont raised the
drinking age back to 21. In 1998 only about 20% of US citizens ages 18
to 24 year olds voted. Should the voting age for Vermont elections be
raised back to 21? Why or why
not?
Secretary of State Markowitz said "A good
starting point for this contest is the Secretary of State’s Kid’s Page
on the Internet. The web site is intended to supplement classroom
studies and it can be of help as students prepare for their posters or
essays. Our web address is www.sec.state.vt.us." More information about
the contest rules, and registration forms are also available from this
website.
Markowitz said "as with any contest there will
be prizes for students within each category. Each of the four winners
will receive a $100 savings bond, and his or her class will be invited
to be my guest for a day in Montpelier to tour the State House, visit
the Historical Society Museum and have a rare viewing of the Vermont
Constitution which is kept in the Archives at my office. This is a
particular honor, since the Vermont Constitution is only removed from
its special vault on very few occasions." Prizes For Winners and their
Classes:
- Each of the four winners will receive a $100
savings bond
- Each of the four winner’s classes will be
invited to be my guest for a day in Montpelier.
This will include:
• A tour of the State House
• A visit to the Vermont Historical Society
Museum
• A special viewing of the original Vermont
Constitution
This contest is open to all schools across
Vermont. Bob Young, Chair of Kids Voting Vermont said "I am hopeful that
students across Vermont will take part in this contest that promotes an
appreciation of Vermont’s unique character and history, and encourages
an awareness of the importance of voting to democracy."
