Frances Sherman VFW Auxiliary and VFW Post 212 have announced the start of the annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay contests.

Both contests have a due date of Oct. 31. Each submission must be in the hands of a VFW member with all qualifying points complete.

VOD’s theme this year is “Why My Vote Matters.” Each year students in grades 9-12 enter to win on the local, district, department and national levels. The national level winner garners a $30,000 scholarship.

Rules and eligibility can be found at www.vfw.org, at the local VFW and also at high schools. Who can enter, how to enter and judging criteria are available along with entry form and brochure. Awards are monetary at each level.

Patriot’s Pen theme is “Why I Honor The American Flag.” This essay contest is available to students in grades 6-8. This contest also awards monetarily at each level provided they are judged to pass to the next level. The national level prize is $5,000. Rules and eligibility are available at the local VFW and online at www.vfw.org .

Local winners are asked to attend a short award ceremony at the VFW Post 212 at a time to be determined after judging.