Supervisor of Elections Deborah Clark will host three voter education programs for Pinellas County students this fall to help increase voter education and awareness countywide. With the 2008 General Election right around the corner, there is no better time to encourage students to learn about the voting process.

Elementary students are invited to participate in the “Stick with Freedom” Contest. Students will be asked to remind family members, friends, and other adults to vote in the November 4 General Election. After the election, students are encouraged to collect as many “I Voted” stickers as possible. These may be collected from any county or state. If someone votes by mail, a picture of the “I Voted” sticker is included in Pinellas County mail ballot kits and may be used in this contest. Students will turn in the stickers/pictures to their teachers on a collection page by November 11. The school that collects the most stickers will win an ice cream party.

Middle school students may participate in the “Make Your Mark and Make it Count” Poster Contest. Students will be asked to design an 11” x 17” poster illustrating the importance of voting with the optical scan voting system. To learn more about the new system, students are may visit www.votepinellas.com. Final designs must be submitted by 5 p.m. on November 10 at any Supervisor of Elections Office. The top three winners will be announced November 19 and will receive gift cards to the shopping malls of their choice.

High school seniors are invited to use their analytical writing skills in the “Power of the Pen” Essay contest. The purpose of this essay contest is to promote and encourage interest in the democratic voting process. With the new optical scan voting system, the power is in the pen. All essays must be returned by 5 p.m. November 10 at any Supervisor of Elections Office. The top county winner will be announced November 19 and will receive a $500 scholarship for future education.

Clark believes these contests will help the students of Pinellas County feel more involved in the important November 4 General Election while learning about the new optical scan voting system. The program will also help involve more parents in the voting process as they assist their children in securing stickers or learning about the county’s new voting system.

Contest rules and information are posted at www.votepinellas.com by clicking on Voter Education/School Contests. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Adams, Voter Education Coordinator, at (727) 464-5700.