Need inspiration for your Knight News Challenge: Elections application? Watch this video and others in our Knight News Challenge: Elections Mixtape. The Knight News Challenge on Elections closes Thursday, March 19, at 5 p.m. ET. We are looking for your ideas to better inform voters and increase civic participation. Here is last-minute help on finalizing your submission. 

What do you want for the “Fill in the details” question?

This section is for any important information not yet covered in your submission. There is no word limit. However, we do not want you to repeat any information or details about the project mentioned elsewhere. This text will populate the bottom of your submission page. If you have nothing more to add about the project you can mark this section “N/A.”

How can I make my project visual? Do I have to?

You do not have to make your submission visual, but we strongly recommend it. We anticipate reading hundreds of applications, so having succinct, visual applications helps. That being said, you do not have to create a new image or video. One possibility would be to include a Creative Commons image: http://search.creativecommons.org/. Make sure to credit the image. To include images or videos, go to the “Make it visual” section of the submission and upload your image/video.

How can I make sure my application thumbnail looks good?

Pick a short, clear title and summary. The first photo you upload will represent your project on the site. The title you choose will be included directly under the photo, along with the first lines of your summary, your name and your photo. Tinker with the length and opening of your summary to make sure this looks the way you want. 

Something happened and I need to change my submission. What do I do?

Edit it. Although the submission deadline is 5 p.m. ET Thursday, March 19, you are able to edit your submission after that. However, make sure your submission accurately represents your idea and is in its final form as soon as possible. Readers will review submissions through April 13. Don’t risk making a significant change that our readers will never see.

My project is co-led by multiple people and organizations. Do you want the submitter to be one organization, an individual or all of us?

We don’t have a preference. The important part for us is that the e-mail address associated with the submitter’s profile is the best way to contact you. We will be notifying all projects of their status through that e-mail. So, feel free to do what feels best.

Anymore questions? See our FAQ page or e-mail us at [email protected]. Remember the submission deadline is 5 p.m. ET Thursday, March 19. We are unable to accept any submissions received after this deadline.

Good luck!

Lucas Hernandez is a media innovation associate at Knight Foundation.

Knight Foundation is partnering with the Democracy Fund, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the Rita Allen Foundation on Knight News Challenge: Elections, which asks the question, How might we better inform voters and increase civic participation before, during and after elections? The best nonpartisan ideas will share in more than $3 million. Apply at newschallenge.org by 5 p.m. ET March 19. Winners will be announced in June.