As you may recall, we launched a successful project two years ago to involve students in the 2004 election by having them make 30-second public service announcements (PSAs) about the importance of voting.

The Maine Secretary of State's Office worked with schools and community television stations to organize a statewide contest. All participants were invited to a free, day-long showcase event at the Statehouse a few weeks before the election. Gov. Baldacci honored the winners at a press conference in the Statehouse rotunda. Their entries were screened on TV and streamed on websites. The best part of the project was that it made students reflect on why voting matters at a time when many were casting their first votes.

The contest will be held again this year, with some modifications. There will be a deadline in May 2006 for PSAs publicizing the new state law that allows some Maine 17-year-olds to vote. A second deadline in late September will be for more general PSAs. Once again, there will be a showcase event at the Statehouse next October for all participants. The winning PSAs will be distributed to Maine television and radio stations and streamed on some Internet sites.

Attached (in Microsoft Word format) are a letter from the Secretary of State inviting your participation, an entry form and a release form. Additional information is on the Secretary of State's website.

If you are connected to the Portland Public Schools and you would like TV3's assistance in participating, please give me a call at 874-8173 or write back.

Best wishes,

Shoshana Hoose
PATHS Channel 3