About the Contest
The “License to Vote” Art Contest serves as a vital initiative encouraging students across elementary, middle, and high school divisions to channel their artistic talents into promoting democracy and voter engagement. Against the backdrop of Kentucky's low voter turnout, this contest assumes even greater importance in cultivating a sense of civic duty and voter awareness among our youth. Our mission is to spark meaningful civic discussions among students uniquely and creatively.
What makes our contest stand out in the Commonwealth is its unique format: artworks must adhere to the standard license plate size, earning the title “License to Vote.” This creative twist not only pays homage to our office's dual roles in election oversight and motor vehicle registration but also injects a sense of excitement and practicality into the competition.
As we prepare to launch the “License to Vote” Art Contest, we are filled with enthusiasm and optimism for its transformative impact on our community. Join us in celebrating the power of art and civic responsibility as we empower the next generation to embrace their role in shaping our democracy through their artistic expressions.
Download the flyer here (PDF).
Advisory Committee
- Bobbie Holsclaw, Jefferson County Clerk
- Angela Davis Clark, JCCO Executive Director
- Ashley Tinius, JCCO Communications Director
- David Summerfield, JCCO Executive Director
- Frank Friday, JCCO Government Affairs Director
- Johnathan Jessop, JCCO Events Administrator
- Maryellen Allen, JCCO Election Center Codirector
- Stephanie Campbell, JCCO Election Center Codirector
Board Of Directors
- Donna Purvis, Metro Councilwoman District 5
- Harriet Lair, Fifth Third Bank Vice President
- Jeff Hudson, Metro Councilman District 23
- Jordan Kelch, Bellarmine University Director of Development
- Kelley Abell, The Rotunda Group CEO
- Khalil Batshon, Metro Councilman District 25
- Paula McCraney, Metro Councilwoman District 7
- Rachel Platt, Frazier History Museum Vice President of Mission
- Rick Blackwell, Metro Councilman District 12
- Susan Clark, City of St. Matthews City Clerk and Treasurer
- Elizabeth Marshall, JCPS Social Studies Instructor
How the Contest Works
Participating schools will host a competition to choose a first and second-place winner to go on to represent their school as finalists in their division. Three divisions will group finalists: Elementary Division (grades K-5), Middle School Division (grades 6-8), and High School Division (grades 9–12). Both finalists, their families, and their school's art teacher will attend a ceremony for a fun night filled with awards, announcements, and refreshments. If a school does not have an art teacher, they may choose the next best staff member to accompany finalists and be a representative of the school. On ceremony night, a group of community and business leaders will hold an election to vote for the winning work of art in each division to announce during the awards ceremony and present a BIG prize package to them, their school representative, and the school.
Contest Theme
What voting rights mean to you.
Artwork Guidelines
Students will illustrate an original work of art on copy paper within the exact dimensions of an actual Kentucky motor vehicle license plate. Pencils, crayons, colored pencils, paint, and other similar drawing mediums are allowed, but any graphic art software is prohibited.
Download the official template here (PDF).
NOTE: Please print the template on 11 X 17 copy paper to match the size of a Kentucky motor vehicle license plate.
Who Can Participate
Open to all K-12 students in Jefferson County, Kentucky.
Download application here (PDF).
Awards Ceremony
Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Key Dates & Timeline
- Friday, November 22: Deadline for schools to confirm participation
- Friday, February 21: Deadline for schools to submit finalists' names
- Friday, March 14: Deadline to receive finalists' artwork
- Friday, March 21: Deadline to receive sponsorship and Prize Patron contributions
- Thursday, April 17: Awards ceremony
