Montana Civics & YouthVote
This program is part of a broader commitment tocivics and general education—empowering students with the knowledge and skills needed to be informed, responsible citizens. By exploring how government functions and how decisions are made, students gain a deeper appreciation for their role in shaping their communities and the future of our state and nation.
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"Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."
~ James Madison
Youth Outreach
Welcome, Students & Educators
Ideas Fueled byFuture Leaders 🤘🏽
The Montana Secretary of State’s Office proudly sponsors the Civics and YouthVote Program, an interactive platform designed to give young Montanans a hands-on experience with the electoral process. This system allows students to participate in simulated elections, learn how ballots work, and understand the importance of every vote.
Civics Student Resources
“It’s important for our students – the future voters, business owners, and elected officials – to gain firsthand knowledge of the operations of our state.”-Secretary Christi Jacobsen
Dear Montana Students,
I am pleased to invite you to participate in the 2025 Secretary of State’s Constitution Contest – “What does the Declaration of Independence Mean to Me?”.
Constitution Day is September 17. This is the day we celebrate our Constitution, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to get together with your family and teachers and discuss the importance of the document by which this country was founded.
Meanwhile, July 4, 2026, will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. I am excited to partner with the Montana 250th Commission to promote civic engagement and increase public awareness of United States and Montana government and history.
This year’s contest will open on September 17, and it promotes civic engagement. It provides a time where you can explore this amazing document. Stay tuned for directions on how to submit your entry.
Thank you, Montana students! Our state’s students are awesome, and I can’t wait to see what you submit.
Thank you,
Christi Jacobsen
Montana Secretary of State
Contest Rules & Information
- What should I write about?
This year’s 2025 contest – “What does the Declaration of Independence Mean to Me?” – opens on September 17 and is due on November 30. The fall months are the perfect time for you to engage in a conversation about the Declaration of Independence with friends, family, or your teacher. This document is rich in its history and its formation. - How do I enter the contest?
This is an opportunity where you get the freedom to choose (thanks to our Constitution). You can present artwork, an essay, music, a speech, photography, or whatever your idea is as long as you can upload your file into our entry form (there are size limitations provided on the form). Please be sure to include your name, grade, and school on each page of your submission. - After I am finished, where do I send it?
After you have done all the work, you are now ready to upload your entry. You can go to the bottom of this page and complete the electronic entry form. - Who can participate?
All students in grades K-12 can participate. Prizes will be available and participants will be invited to the State Capitol to meet Secretary Jacobsen during next year’s Constitution Day celebration. We look forward to your creativity and submissions. - Declaration of Independence Video>>
- View original documents >>
- Preamble to the U.S. Constitution Video >>
- Full Text of U.S. Preamble >>
Contest Entry Form
Contest Results
Play Full Video to Learn More About the Montana Secretary of State
Mock Voting
Student Mock Voting
YouthVote. Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Whether you’re casting a mock ballot or teaching lessons on government, voting, and civic responsibility, we’re glad you’re here. Together, we can inspire the next generation of active and engaged citizens—one vote at a time!
The purpose of the Youth Vote is to provide students an opportunity to participate in the United States election process. Students in grades K-6 will vote for the President and Montana candidates, along with some additional fun questions. Students in grades 7-12 will receive the full ballot with federal and statewide candidates, as well as the constitutional initiatives. Please review the sample ballot with students so they will understand the constitutional initiatives and the candidates who are running for an office. You may use the Montana Voter Information Pamphlet as a guide.
The Secretary of State’s Office, in collaboration with the Office of Public Instruction, would like to invite you to participate in our Montana Youth Vote Election. All students, kindergarten through grade 12, homeschool associations, private, and public schools are invited to participate.The Montana YouthVote is held in the fall of even-numbered years.
Digital Experiences & Media Center
Montana History
Montana is the fourth largest state in the Union, bigger than Germany! Explore how Montana’s gently rolling plains and more than ninety rugged mountain ranges contribute to a varied climate and multiple uses for the land. By PBS Montana.
The Oddities in the First American Election
How did George Washington become the first president of the United States in 1789? Who got to decide--or vote--who would become president? By Kenneth C. Davis.
Why Americans Vote on Tuesdays
Since 1845, Americans have been voting on Tuesdays -- but why? In this humorous talk, Jacob Soboroff shares the history of Election Day and shows how voting on a Tuesday affects voter turnout. By Jacob Soboroff.
How is Power Divided in the US Government?
Articles I-III of the United States Constitution allow for three separate branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial), along with a system of checks and balances should any branch get too powerful. By — Belinda Stutzman.
How do Executive Orders Work?
On January 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln legally changed the status of over 3 million people from “slave” to “free.” But his emancipation proclamation wasn’t a law — it was an executive order. By Christina Greer.
Electoral College: Does Your Vote Count?
You vote, but then what? Discover how your individual vote contributes to the popular vote and your state’s electoral vote in different ways--and see how votes are counted on both state and national levels. By Christina Greer.
