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HELENA, Mont. — Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen announced the opening of the fifth annual Constitution Contest for Montana’s students, focusing on the theme “What does the Declaration of Independence mean to me?”
“In celebrating Constitution Day, we invite participants to reflect on the Declaration of Independence and how it laid the foundation of the U.S. Constitution by its timeless principles of liberty and equality for all,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “This contest is an opportunity for Montana’s students to honor America’s founding ideals and how they have shaped our great nation.”
On July 4, 2026, Secretary Jacobsen will join Montanans and Americans in commemorating and celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Entries for this year’s contest will help launch the celebrations.
To enter the contest, students in grades K-12 are invited to submit an essay, artwork, poem, photography, or any creative expression they would like. Essays should have a maximum length of 500 words. The contest is open to all Montana grade school and high school students, including those in homeschool and private school settings.
Winners will receive prizes and may be invited to share their entries in next year’s Constitution Day celebration in the Rotunda of the State Capitol Building.
The contest begins on Wednesday, September 17, and the entry deadline is Friday, October 17. To learn more and enter the Constitution Contest, please visit https://sosmt.gov/civics-youthvote/#contest.
“Thank you, Montana students, teachers, and parents! I’m excited to celebrate our Declaration of Independence with you, and I look forward to seeing the incredible submissions in this year’s contest,” said Secretary Jacobsen.