Contest Rules

We value original insights and clear communication. Submissions should be based on your own observations. Please carefully review the contest rules before entering. . Questions? Contact contest@theforum.us.org.

  1. Entries may be one of the following (PDF, DOC, JPG or PNG file formats preferred; up to 10MB):

  2. The contest is open to residents in the 50 states of the US.

  3. You must be 13 years of age or older to win. No purchase necessary. One entry per person.

  4. Entries must address the contest question.

  5. Participants must complete the official online entry form, which includes a stipulation that their entry is the participant’s original work and has not been published elsewhere.

  6. We will begin accepting submissions in February, 2023. The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 31, 2023. Entries must be submitted before midnight EST on the published deadline date.

  7. Winners will be announced May 15, 2023. The names of the winners will be posted on The Forum website along with the winning entries. Winners will be contacted before their names are posted on the website. Winners will be asked how they prefer to receive their awards.

  8. Judges selected by The Forum on Democracy will decide which entries are to receive special recognition or prizes determined by The Forum on Democracy. Winning entries will be judged based on how clear and compelling they are.

  9. Contest judging is conducted anonymously. Personal information about the contest participant must appear ONLY on the entry form and not on the work you submit. Make sure your software does not automatically put your name on each page or image.

  10. Contest participants grant The Forum on Democracy and Straus News, Inc. the right to publish entries on their websites, social media and in print.

  11. Entries that do not conform to these requirements or arrive after the deadline will be disqualified.