Deadline Approaching for Essay Contest

Entries due midnight Friday: Winners to be announced during Patriot Week 2012

WHO:             Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

Michigan students in grades six through 12

WHAT:          As part of the September celebration of Patriot Week (www.patriotweek.org), Johnson is encouraging students across Michigan to participate in a statewide essay contest celebrating the right to vote.  The essay contest is open to Michigan students in grades six through 12. In 400 words or less, students are asked to answer this question: “How does a citizen’s right to vote help make America the greatest country in the world?” Essays must include a title, the student’s name, grade (as of September 2012), address and contact information, including phone number and email address.

WHEN:          The deadline for submission is midnight on Friday, August 10.

HOW:             Students can submit their essay on the Secretary of State website at www.michigan.gov/SOS or by mail at: Michigan Secretary of State Essay Contest; Office of Communications; Richard H. Austin Building, 4th Floor; 430 W. Allegan Street; Lansing, MI 48918.

WHY:             To encourage students across Michigan to learn about the importance of participating in elections and to promote awareness of Patriot Week 2012.

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