Glossy Planet Gold Star Program Gold Star

We are asked to believe that voting changes something. But sometimes, the outcome has already been decided. Names on the voter rolls have quietly been deleted. And the system we’re asked to believe in—well, it breaks down in public. We’re seeking flash fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry about elections and voting: the means through which disinformation circulates, how legitimacy is questioned, and what happens when the disenfranchised fight back.

Elected officials are meant to serve the people, but what happens when they serve themselves? Write about electoral manipulation, voter intimidation, and the erosion of electoral integrity. We’re interested in subjects like the local election that nobody covered, the ballots that disappeared (or were found), the actions of elected officials, and the acts of resistance that build to something more. Whatever comes to mind when you think about voting, public office, and subversion, we want to read it. Please note that while this theme occurs during midterm election season in the United States, this theme is global. We want writing about elections anywhere in the world (or beyond it).

We welcome writing of all genres and forms: flash fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid work. Three winners will be selected and published at the end of December. To get a sense of what we publish, read our past winners.

We also offer editorial commentary on submissions. For an additional fee, you’ll receive two feedback notes from our experienced editors or readers. To learn more and submit, scroll down on our Duosuma page.

Prizes:

• First place: $1,000 and publication
• Second place: $200 and publication
• Third place: $100 and publication

Submit

This option is for writers who want to receive editorial feedback on their work. Our response to your submission will include a two feedback notes, about one paragraph each, from two experienced editors or readers. These notes will offer observations on what's working well, opportunities for revision, and how the work aligns with what we're drawn to publish. This feedback reflects the conversations our editors have when discussing submissions internally.

If you are submitting multiple pieces: tell us which piece you would like to receive feedback on in your cover letter. If this is not noted, we'll give feedback on the first piece in the document.

Please follow the same guidelines for our Electoral Cycle challenge.

We are asked to believe that voting changes something. But sometimes, the outcome has already been decided. Names on the voter rolls have quietly been deleted. And the system we’re asked to believe in—well, it breaks down in public. We’re seeking flash fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry about elections and voting: the means through which disinformation circulates, how legitimacy is questioned, and what happens when the disenfranchised fight back.

Elected officials are meant to serve the people, but what happens when they serve themselves? Write about electoral manipulation, voter intimidation, and the erosion of electoral integrity. We’re interested in subjects like the local election that nobody covered, the ballots that disappeared (or were found), the actions of elected officials, and the acts of resistance that build to something more. Whatever comes to mind when you think about voting, public office, and subversion, we want to read it. Please note that while this theme occurs during midterm election season in the United States, this theme is global. We want writing about elections anywhere in the world (or beyond it).

We welcome writing of all genres and forms: flash fiction, creative nonfiction, poetry, and hybrid work. Three winners will be selected and published at the end of December. To get a sense of what we publish, read our past winners.

Prizes:

• First place: $1,000 and publication
• Second place: $200 and publication
• Third place: $100 and publication

Submit