Theme is ‘YVote? Convince Me It Matters!’
The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County this week announced its 2026–2027 YVote Contest, themed “YVote? Convince Me It Matters!”
“The contest invites Sarasota County middle school students to create persuasive messages showing young people why voting matters,” a news release explains. “The theme reflects the League’s concern about low voter participation among people ages 18 to 24,” it adds.
“According to the U.S. Census Bureau, “ the release points out, “73.6% of voting-age citizens were registered for the 2024 presidential election, while 65.3% voted. People ages 18 to 24 had the lowest participation rate of any age group, at 47.7%.”
Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 who attend a Sarasota County district public school or public charter school are eligible to enter the contest, the release notes. “The contest is not part of classroom activities or assignments,” the release adds.
A student “may submit a compelling essay, an original two-dimensional artwork, or a social media video designed to capture young people’s attention and persuade them that their votes matter,” the release says.
“Cash prizes will be awarded to winners in each grade and category,” the release notes: first-place winners receive $200; second-place winners receive $100; third-place winners receive $50.”
The deadline for submissions is Friday, Jan. 22, 2027, the release adds. The winners will be announced in March 2027.
Entry forms are available for download at lwvsrq.org/YVote in English, Spanish and Russian, the release points out. Each form includes the contest rules, judging criteria for every category, and a required Parental Consent Form,” the release notes.
“The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization that neither supports nor opposes any political party or candidate for public office,” the release explains. “The League of Women Voters of Sarasota County provides voter information through local candidate forums, educational events, and monitoring and reporting on local government bodies; it also supports public education. The LWVSRQ Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, funds this contest.
“The League’s commitment to prepare the next generation of voters inspires this Contest,” the release adds.