The Marblehead Reporter
Thursday, February 10, 2005

Students invited to enter essay contest

The election is over, but what was learned about the voting process, the Electoral College and the issues at stake? The League of Women Voters is asking Massachusetts students in grades 4-12 to think about these questions in its sixth annual Online Student Essay Contest funded by Bank of America.

"Now is the time to ask ourselves key questions about the impact of the election on public policy issues, the role the media plays in elections and the importance of the Electoral College," says League President Madhu Sridhar. "These are important questions, which deserve creative and thoughtful discussion. The League's essay contest is designed to encourage students to reflect on these questions and how they affect our democracy."

This contest is unique because it is conducted entirely online. Contest rules, essay questions and instructions for submitting the essay via e-mail can be found only online at www.lwvma.org. The essay contest is open to all Massachusetts students in grades 4-12 in public and private schools and to those who are home-schooled.

In addition to receiving U.S. savings bonds, winners will read their essays at a special event on Sunday, April 10, joining the historic line of patriotic speakers who have passionately proclaimed their views at Faneuil Hall in Boston. The League also acknowledges the vital role played by educators by awarding the teacher or advisor of the winners a classroom-education grant.

The League of Women Voters is committed to educating and working with the next generation of voters and leaders to help ensure that our democracy will flourish. A nonpartisan political organization, the League encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and works to increase understanding of major public-policy issues.