In a year dominated by political headlines, it was four young students from Mesa County who reminded everyone what democracy is really about — creativity, community, and civic pride.

On Monday, the Mesa County Elections office unveiled the winning designs from its second annual “I Voted” Sticker Contest, selecting four student artists whose work will soon be worn by thousands of voters during the 2025 election season.

A Young Generation Gets Creative About Voting

The contest, now in its second year, invited K–12 students from across Mesa County to design their own version of the iconic “I Voted” sticker — a simple but powerful symbol of democratic participation.

This year, 96 entries poured in.

The winners?

• Jacob, 7th grade, Independence Academy Charter School

• Jessica, 5th grade, Thunder Mountain Elementary School

• Kate, 5th grade, Messiah Lutheran Church and School

• Layla, 8th grade, Redlands Middle School

Each of their hand-drawn sticker designs was selected for its originality, artistic impact, and ability to inspire civic engagement.

“The amount of talent and passion these students showed is just incredible,” said Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Bobbie Gross. “These designs don’t just look great — they carry a message. They make voting feel personal, especially to younger generations.”

From School Art Projects to Countywide Recognition

The announcement was made public just hours before a formal celebration at the Mesa County Commissioners’ public hearing on April 29, where the winners will be honored in front of elected officials, parents, teachers, and peers.

Photos of the winning entries, released by Mesa County Elections, show a vibrant collection of color, patriotism, and personality. Some feature soaring eagles. Others play with bold typography, flags, or symbols of Colorado pride.

But more than that, they reveal something deeper: that civic awareness is taking root early in Mesa County’s next generation.

Here’s a brief look at the artists behind the stickers:

Jacob – 7th Grade, Independence Academy Charter School

Jacob’s design mixes modern flair with traditional civic imagery. His clean lines and dynamic layout caught the judges’ eyes immediately.

Jessica – 5th Grade, Thunder Mountain Elementary School

Jessica’s bright, cheerful design emphasizes unity and youth participation. “It’s like a celebration in sticker form,” one staffer said.

Kate – 5th Grade, Messiah Lutheran Church and School

Kate used classic American motifs — stars, stripes, and bold text — in a playful yet respectful way. “It’s mature beyond her years,” a commissioner remarked.

Layla – 8th Grade, Redlands Middle School

Layla’s sticker, rich in detail and symbolism, was praised for its elegant design and “timeless message” that voters of all ages can relate to.

“A Bridge Between the Classroom and the Ballot Box”

Clerk Bobbie Gross launched the sticker competition in 2024 as a way to promote civic engagement among young people — and it’s already becoming a local tradition.

“This is about more than just a sticker,” she said at last year’s event. “It’s about building a culture of participation, one student, one family at a time.”

And it’s working.

Teachers across the county have incorporated the contest into their social studies and art lessons. Students are learning not just how to vote, but why it matters.

“It’s a bridge between the classroom and the ballot box,” said Mesa County Elections Manager Sarah Burnett. “We want these kids to grow up seeing voting as something they’re connected to — something they help shape.”

A Symbol of Local Democracy in Action

In election cycles marked by polarization and fatigue, the humble “I Voted” sticker still manages to spark joy. It’s a small gesture — a badge of honor for voters who’ve taken part in the democratic process.

For Mesa County voters this fall, that sticker will carry a little extra meaning.

Each one will be a miniature canvas, lovingly created by a local student with a big message: “You matter. Your vote matters.”

The sticker designs will appear at polling stations and in mailed ballots throughout the 2025 election season, giving residents a tangible reminder that the future of democracy really does start with the next generation.

Sticker Contest by the Numbers

Mesa County officials say they plan to continue the contest annually, possibly expanding age categories and offering digital art options next year.

But no matter how it evolves, the heart of the contest will remain the same.

“Kids who take part in this grow up seeing themselves as part of the process,” Gross said. “That’s how you build lifelong voters — and leaders.”