Maine holding poster and essay contest to mark America’s 250th

Jan. 6, 2026

By staff

The Maine state government is holding poster and essay contests for students to help mark the nation’s 250th anniversary this year.

Entries are now being accepted for the 2026 Maine Constitution Poster and Essay Contests. The deadline is March 13, 2026.

The contests are designed to promote the history of Maine, the Maine Constitution, and the importance of democracy and voting, according to a press release from the Maine secretary of state’s office.

“To commemorate America’s 250th birthday, the essay prompts encourage students to explore our nation’s history and its impact on our culture and government today,” the release says.

The poster contest is open to Maine students from kindergarten to 5th grade. Students in grades K - 3 are encouraged to draw posters of official Maine symbols. Students in grades 4-5 may submit posters with a Maine history theme.

The essay contest is open to Maine students in grades 6-12, each with a different subject.

Students in grades 6-8 are asked to write an essay on the following prompt: “As we prepare for America's 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, citizens across the nation are reflecting on what being an American means, and how our history has shaped our culture today. Each individual state within the United States has its own unique culture and identity that contributes to the fabric of broader American culture. Thinking about the culture and identity of Maine, reflect on what being a Mainer means to you and choose a section of Article 1, the Declaration of Rights, of the Maine State constitution that you believe exemplifies these values.”

Students in grades 9-12 may write an essay on the importance of voting and democracy, with the following prompt: “Voting is a constitutional right for eligible Americans once they turn 18, and in Maine you never lose your right to vote. Sometimes, voting is called a ‘civic responsibility’ by those who believe that people who possess the right to vote should do so in every election they are eligible to vote in. Do you believe that voting is a civic responsibility? Why or why not?” 

Winning entries will receive an award certificate, a ceremony at the Office of the Secretary of State or at their school, and inclusion in a news release about contest winners. Each student who submits an entry will receive a certificate.

For program rules and guidelines, visit the poster and essay contest page on the Maine Secretary of State website.