LANSING — Sen. John Proos has announced that he is hosting an online photo contest where southwest Michigan residents may submit their favorite Pure Michigan photographs taken this summer.

“Michigan is full of landscapes and summer activities that make our state one of the most picturesque and fun places in the country,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “Nowhere else can you capture a snapshot of one of dozens of historic lighthouses, enjoy the water on one of more than 11,000 inland lakes, and see the sunrise and sunset on miles of breathtaking beaches.

“I encourage residents to participate in this online photo contest in an effort to help highlight our state’s natural beauty and positive way of life.”

Until 5 p.m. on Sept. 15, residents of Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties may submit their photos on the Pure Michigan Summer Photo Contest page on Proos’ Senate website, at SenatorJohnProos.com.

After the submission period, finalist photos will be posted to the John Proos Supporters Page on Facebook. Visitors to the page will then be able to vote for the photos they like the most. Each finalist photo will receive one vote for each “like” it gets on Facebook and one vote for each vote it garners on a website poll.

“At the end of the contest, the photo with the most votes will win and will be displayed in the Michigan Capitol,” Proos said. “The goal of this photo contest is to help promote our state by giving Southwest Michigan residents a fun and creative opportunity to showcase what makes Michigan such an incredible place to live. I look forward to seeing the submissions.”

Although the contest is limited to residents of the 21st Senate District, eligible photos can be of any Michigan location or pastime. Photo submissions are limited to one picture per person and the person submitting the photo must have taken the picture.

For the complete rules, visit the photo contest page, senatorjohnproos.com/sen-proos-pure-michigan-summer-photo-contest.