ETSU Votes is holding an essay contest as part of the build-up toward election day. The competition is open to any ETSU student, undergraduate or graduate, from any major or discipline.
There are two essay prompts, the first asking students what economic, social and political issues are most important to them in the build-up to the 2020 Presidential election.
The second challenges students to answer, in their opinion, what is the spirit of America and if they think the 2020 Presidential candidates reflect this spirit.
There is an opportunity to win prize money of up to $100 for first place, with all entries entered into the running for prizes spanning from $10 to $25.
ETSU Student Government Association Vice President Seth Manning said the competition is an opportunity for students to stay engaged during the run-up to election day and understand what is happening in the country.
“When you look at some of the prompts themselves, they’re also speaking to what issues matter to individual students,” said Manning.
Manning listed some of the potential topics as climate change, health care, LGBTQ rights and Black Lives Matter. He said the competition allows students to express their opinions and ideas in a way that is not divisive or polarizing.
ETSU Votes hopes to learn what issues are most important to students in the lead-up to the election and what is driving them to the polls.
Manning said some of the essays will be featured on ETSU Votes’ social media pages in order to show the diversity of opinion that exists on ETSU’s campus.
“We know different people care about different issues and have different feelings about the spirit of America,” said Manning. “I really think that the best advice I can give is just follow your heart on the issue. We’re really looking for passion and honesty.”
Manning expects the winners of the competition to be announced prior to election day at the beginning of November.
Manning encouraged students to get involved with other ETSU Votes activities and events, such as Tuesdays Talks. There will also be a “270 to Win” competition which will involve students filling in an electoral college map guessing which states will go red and which will go blue. The student with the closest estimate will win a prize.
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