The United States Courts for the Ninth Circuit is sponsoring an essay and video contest for high school students in the
western United States and Pacific Islands.
In the wake of the 15th and 19th Amendments, barriers remained to prevent
United States citizens from voting.
Do formal or informal barriers remain today?
What additional changes would you make, if any,
to Americans’ voting rights?
Entries will be accepted beginning February 15, 2020. Deadline for entries is
March 25, 2020. Contest rules and entry instructions are available at https://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/civicscontest
The United States District Court for the District of Arizona will host a local contest to determine the
finalists who will go on to compete in the circuit contest. To be eligible to compete in the local contest,
students must reside in the State of Arizona. Local contest winners in each category also will receive
prizes of $1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place, and $250 for 3rd place. For more information about
the local contest, please contact: Ellen Weber – (602) 735-8320 / Ellen_Weber@ca9.uscourts.gov.
TEACHERS: The District of Arizona is pleased to announce that as part of the Ninth Circuit Civics
Contest, we will recognize up to four teachers with cash prizes of $350 each for excellence in civics
education. Teachers are strongly encouraged to nominate themselves and their colleagues, and to encourage
their students to submit nominations for teachers. Students, please nominate your teacher for an award
recognizing their efforts.