Mesa County in Colorado has kicked off its annual I Voted sticker contest for the 2026 elections, inviting young artists in grades one through 12 to submit designs. The contest, which opened on September 15, 2025, aims to boost civic pride and community involvement by letting kids create stickers that voters will wear with pride.
Contest Details and How to Enter
The contest is open to all students from first to 12th grade who live in Mesa County. Participants must create original artwork that measures exactly two inches by two inches and includes the words I Voted somewhere in the design.
Entries can be submitted in person at the Mesa County Elections Office or by email. Each child can send in only one design, and the deadline is October 31, 2025. Officials encourage themes that reflect local pride, such as mountains, rivers, or community symbols, to make the stickers fun and meaningful.
This year builds on the success of past contests, where winning designs featured creative elements like local landmarks and patriotic motifs. Election staff will review all submissions for originality and adherence to rules before moving to the next stage.
Selection Process and Voting
After the submission period ends, Mesa County election officials will pick the top designs based on creativity, relevance, and quality. These finalists will then go to a public vote in December 2025, allowing residents to choose their favorites.
The voting will happen online through the county’s elections website, making it easy for the community to participate. Last year’s contest saw hundreds of entries and strong public engagement, with winners announced at a special event.
An official winner will be revealed in January 2026, and the chosen design will be printed for use in the upcoming primary and general elections. This process not only highlights young talent but also educates kids about democracy.
Here are key steps in the selection:
- Officials narrow down entries to finalists.
- Public voting opens in December.
- Winner announced in January.
- Design used for 2026 elections.
Past Winners and Inspiration
Previous contests have produced memorable stickers that captured the spirit of Mesa County. For example, the 2025 winners included designs from students like Jacob from Independence Academy Charter School and Jessica from Thunder Mountain Elementary School, featuring bold colors and local themes.
These stickers were handed out during elections, delighting voters and sparking conversations about youth involvement. One seventh grade design incorporated the Colorado National Monument, while a fifth grade entry used playful fruit motifs to represent the area’s agriculture.
Looking back, the 2024 contest drew over 200 submissions, showing growing interest. Parents and teachers note that such events inspire kids to think about voting from an early age, tying into broader national trends where states like North Dakota and Michigan run similar programs.
Why This Matters for the Community
Contests like this one promote civic education in a fun way, especially as election participation rates among young adults remain a focus nationwide. In Colorado, voter turnout has been strong, with over 80 percent in recent presidential elections, but engaging the next generation is key.
By involving schools and families, Mesa County hopes to build lasting interest in democracy. Educators say these activities help students learn about elections while honing artistic skills, creating a win win for everyone.
Local officials point out that stickers are more than just paper; they symbolize community unity. With 2026 being a midterm election year, the timing aligns with national efforts to increase voter engagement amid discussions on election reforms.
| Year | Number of Submissions | Winning Theme | School Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Over 200 | Local landmarks | Mixed grades |
| 2025 | Around 150 | Nature and patriotism | 5th to 7th grade |
| 2026 (projected) | Expected 250+ | Community pride | Grades 1-12 |
Tips for Young Artists
Parents and students gearing up for submissions should start brainstorming ideas now. Focus on simple, eye catching designs that fit the small size and include the required text clearly.
Use bright colors and avoid complex details that might not print well. Digital tools or traditional drawing methods are both fine, as long as the final piece meets the specs.
Teachers can integrate this into classroom activities, perhaps tying it to lessons on government or art. With the deadline approaching, now is the perfect time to get creative and contribute to local elections.
We encourage readers to share this article with families who have young artists and comment below on your favorite past sticker designs or ideas for this year.
