Student Poster Competition

Sponsored by SanDiego350, an organization working to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and climate injustice, and SanDiego350’s Stand Up for Democracy campaign.

WHAT  Through strong graphics and brief text, poster designs need to convey to the public the urgency of protecting our democracy and exercising their right to vote. A space on every poster will be left blank and will be filled in with voter resources and election interference information.

WHY   The Midterm Elections will be taking place on November 3, 2026. The Trump administration has launched a concerted drive to undermine American elections. These moves are unprecedented and, in some cases, illegal. As the 2026 midterms approach, that effort is already gathering momentum and we need to do all we can to prevent this.

WHO   Open to all students living in San Diego County. Twelve or more winning designs will be chosen, the final total depending on the decision of the jurors. Artists may submit up to two entries. Honorariums will be given to the first, second, and third place winners as follows: 1st place – $300; 2nd place – $200; 3rd place – $100.

The first-place design will be printed and distributed throughout San Diego in multiple locations and neighborhoods. Smaller grayscale versions may be distributed at rallies.

All winning poster designs will be featured on social media as well as in several gallery settings. Each winning artist will receive one copy of a full-size 11×17 color poster and can request additional 8 ½ x 11 color prints for their own use. Each artist will keep full ownership and copyright of their work and agree to allow SD350 to use their poster design for non-commercial purposes in their social media, promotional materials and exhibitions.

WHEN and WHERE All submissions need to be completed by no later than Monday, September 14. Submissions should be sent to here. If you do not have access to that account, submissions can be forwarded to anne.mudge@sandiego350.org. It is important to follow all formatting and data requirements. Submissions that do not follow these guidelines will not be considered.

JUDGING   The submissions will be judged by Gail Goldman, principle of Gail M. Goldman Associates, a public arts consulting firm and former Public Art Director for the City of San Diego; Tina Yapelli, Director of SDSU’s School of Art and Design; and Lynn Susholtz, Executive Director of Art Produce.