Selected artwork will also be showcased in Yolo County libraries, and the items or images will be shared with community leaders, educators and elected officials to highlight young people’s perspectives on civic life. Photo courtesy of iStock

YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) – The League of Women Voters of Yolo County, in partnership with the Yolo County Libraries and with the support of the Yolo County Office of Education and the Yolo County Elections Office, announces the launch of a youth art contest. The countywide contest invites high school students to express their voices through art while exploring the importance of voting and civic participation.

The contest, which begins on Feb. 13, encourages students to create original artwork that reflects what voting, democracy or positive civic engagement means to them. Artwork can be in the form of drawings or paintings. In addition to being awarded cash gift cards, the images of winning entries will be replicated as stickers, posters and bumper stickers to be distributed at League events. Selected artwork will also be showcased in Yolo County libraries, and the items or images will be shared with community leaders, educators and elected officials to highlight young people’s perspectives on civic life.

“Our goal is to empower young people by giving them a platform to share their voices,” said a representative from the Yolo County League. “Art is a powerful way for students to reflect on their role in our democracy and to engage with the voting process as they become eligible voters.”

The Student Voter Empowerment Design Contest aligns with the League’s long-standing mission to encourage informed and active participation in government and to increase understanding of major public policy issues. By partnering with Yolo County libraries and high schools, the campaign ensures broad community access and visibility for student voices.

The Yolo County League invites schools, educators, community organizations and local leaders to support the contest by helping to share information about the contest, encourage student participation and find new opportunities for student artwork to be displayed.

Entries will be judged by a blind panel for relevance to the student’s theme, creativity, visual impact and originality. The accompanying entry form will require parental permission and that the theme, art and accompanying text be nonpartisan with no trademarked, AI-created/generated or copyrighted elements.

The contest begins Feb.13, with a final submission deadline of Mar. 27, 2026. Applications and submission guidelines will be available at the high schools or by email at [email protected]. Submission Drop boxes will be available at all libraries in Yolo County or can be mailed to the League of Women Voters of Yolo County, P.O. Box 2463, Woodland CA 95776.

More information about the contest is available at the League’s website, lwvyolo.org. The League is committed to informing voters on local politics and increasing access to voting and information. They are a non-partisan organization dedicated to voter education and empowering citizens to shape better communities.