Just in time for Good Citizenship Day on Jan. 16, the Office of the Secretary of State is pleased to announce this year’s Kids’ Art Contest theme, “Every Vote is Equal!” celebrating 50 years of the Voting Rights Act.

Students are encouraged to discuss the importance of the Voting Rights Act, a landmark piece of legislation that prohibits racial discrimination in voting. Notable civil rights activists such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks were on hand to watch President Lyndon B. Johnson sign the bill into law on Aug. 6, 1965.

“Americans today could not truly call ourselves free if it hadn’t been for the Voting Rights Act,” said Secretary of State Kim Wyman. “Fifty years later, we should celebrate this major achievement in equality and the voice it gives all citizens regardless of skin color.”

Winning artwork celebrating voting equality will be published in 3 million copies of the next statewide Voters’ Pamphlet. All fourth- and fifth-grade students in Washington’s public, private, tribal and home schools are welcome to submit their original art. Official contest rules and entry form are available at www.vote.wa.gov. Contest ends April 15.

The free curriculum Teaching Elections in Washington State discusses good citizenship and the history of voting in America. These lessons for grades K-12 meet state and Common Core standards, and satisfy the civics coursework required for graduation. Classroom-based assessments (CBAs) are included with each lesson.

Good Citizenship Day also requires that schools offer eligible students the opportunity to register to vote. Students who are U.S. citizens and will be 18 years old by the next election may register to vote online at http://www.myvote.wa.gov.