Former San Angelo Spelling Champ Launches Nonprofit to Expand Voter Education

SAN ANGELO, TX — A San Angelo student best known for competing in national spelling bees is now working to strengthen voter education through a new nonprofit organization.

Akash Vukoti, a sophomore at Central High School, recently launched "What Is On My Ballot," a voter advocacy group dedicated to improving access to election and candidate information. The organization, founded in November 2024, was inspired by Vukoti’s parents, who encountered confusion while voting for the first time in a U.S. presidential election.

“They were surprised to see two more candidates for president besides the Democrat and Republican nominees, and even more shocked by the nearly 30 different elections on their ballot,” Vukoti said. “Most voters aren’t aware of any of these elections, never mind the candidates running in those elections, and I sought to change that.”

What Is On My Ballot encourages local election commissions to provide clear, nonpartisan information about upcoming elections. Vukoti proposes distributing this information through mailed brochures, text messages with website links, or printed materials at polling stations. According to Vukoti, the materials should include a list of elections, candidate names, and basic biographical details such as experience and policy platforms.

An example of this effort includes sample candidate guides, such as a recently published chart outlining mayoral candidates’ qualifications and priorities, which you can view by clicking here. 

“My goal is to help voters feel confident that they have chosen representatives who truly reflect their values,” Vukoti stated.

Vukoti was also recently recognized by San Angelo ISD for publishing his first book, Spelling Anything (Even Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis), which shares tips from his six appearances at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

“Way to go, Akash! We’re so proud of you,” San Angelo ISD stated in a social media post. 

Vukoti is seeking volunteers to support What Is On My Ballot’s mission. More information is available at whatisonmyballot.org.

Vukoti first came to national prominence in 2016 as the first-ever first grader to compete in the history of the Scripps National Spelling Bee at the age of 6. He competed at the Scripps National Spelling Bee a record six times. He has been featured on several TV shows, including 3 with Steve Harvey. He has also been featured in documentaries produced by HBO, the BBC and Netflix.

For more information, visit AkashVukoti.com