The Underground Railroad Education Center (UREC) is hosting Voice and Votes, a Smithsonian Traveling exhibit on display at The New York State Museum from November 28-January 9, 2026.

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• Share this contest with friends, family, neighbors, and more

• There is an opportunity for ALL to participate! See contest guidelines below

APPLICANTS MUST

• Live within the Albany Capital Region and be 13-19 years old

• Create & Submit a 2-4 song YouTube playlist link

• Submit a 100-150 word explanation about why you chose the songs, and the playlist connection to Democracy themes (ex. Community, Justice, National Identity, Protest, Citizenship, etc…)

• Submitting? – use this link – https://forms.gle/jc7pogdBQxikncqd6

   

DON’T WAIT – ENTER NOW!

• The first 50 applicants will have their playlists and paragraphs judged by our 3 judges
  (judging based on: originality, creativity, connection to democracy themes – as seen in the Voices and Votes exhibit – examples listed above)

• Contestants can enter starting December 2 –  ending December 15

• Judging will begin to select the top 5 playlists – which will be announced December 22

• Check UREC website, Facebook, and Instagram for the link to the top 5 playlists

• Get your friends and family and more to vote for the top 3 People’s Choice favorites using the online ballot form

WINNERS & PRIZES

• Winners will be announced with prizes at 3pm January 2, 2026 at “Game On!” – the teen game event at the NYS Museum (222 Madison Ave – 4th fl, Albany NY)

JUDGES

• David Gordon Jr. – multi-instrumentalist and Producer and Boys and Girls Club Lyrism 101

• D. Colin –  Poet, Visual Artist, actor, curator, coach and educator

• Shantale Dixon – Former Underground Railroad Education Center YALI Participant

For more information contact Contact Lacey at LaceyW.urec@gmail.com– or – Amelia at AmeliaP.urec@gmail.com