Mesa County Elections officials announced the winners of their third annual I Voted sticker contest on January 10, 2026, highlighting four talented students from local schools. With record participation exceeding 175 entries, the contest aims to boost civic engagement among youth by letting them design stickers for voters in upcoming elections.
Contest Highlights and Goals
This yearly event invites students in grades 1 through 12 to create original artwork for I Voted stickers, which get handed out at polling places. The idea started three years ago to encourage young people to think about voting and democracy in fun ways.
Organizers say the contest builds excitement around elections and helps kids feel part of the process. This year, it tied into broader efforts across Colorado to increase voter turnout, especially after recent changes in election laws that make voting easier for everyone.
Entries poured in from schools throughout the valley, showing themes like patriotism, community pride, and creative takes on Colorado landmarks. A panel of election judges picked 32 finalists before opening public voting online.
Meet the Winners
The four winners stood out for their unique designs that captured the spirit of voting. Each will see their artwork printed on stickers for the 2026 election cycle.
Here is a quick look at the winners and their grades:
- Alayna Labrum, fourth grade
- Rhett Behrman, fourth grade
- Jacob Walden, eighth grade
- Amora Wilson, ninth grade
These students range from elementary to high school, marking a shift as more older kids joined this time. Officials noted high school participation jumped, with several strong entries that had not shown up in past years.
Their designs will be revealed at a special ceremony, and stickers could reach thousands of voters. Winners get prizes like certificates and local recognition, plus the thrill of seeing their art in action.
Record Breaking Participation
Over 175 submissions came in this year, almost double the 90 from last contest. This growth shows rising interest in civic activities among families and schools.
Election leaders credit outreach efforts, including school visits and social media campaigns, for the boost. They worked with teachers to tie the contest into classroom lessons on government and art.
Compared to similar programs in other states, Mesa County’s numbers stand out. For example, West Virginia launched an eighth grade only contest for 2026, but it focuses on one age group. Mesa’s inclusive approach across grades seems to draw more entries.
This surge aligns with national trends where youth voter registration has climbed 15 percent since 2020, based on recent studies from civic groups. Such contests play a small but key role in that shift.
| Year | Entries | Winners | Key Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 50 | 3 | First year, limited to elementary |
| 2025 | 90 | 4 | Expanded to high school |
| 2026 | 175 | 4 | Record participation, public voting |
Upcoming Recognition Event
The winners will be honored at the County Commissioners public hearing on January 13, 2026. This event lets the community celebrate the students and learn more about the designs.
Bobbie Gross, Mesa County Clerk and Recorder, praised the high school turnout as a big win for engagement. She hopes it inspires even more kids to get involved in future elections.
Parents and teachers can attend the hearing to show support. It also serves as a reminder of how small actions like designing a sticker can spark lifelong interest in voting.
Broader Impact on Civic Engagement
Contests like this one fit into larger efforts to make elections more approachable. In Colorado, voter turnout hit 75 percent in the last major cycle, partly due to mail in options and youth programs.
Experts say involving kids early leads to higher adult participation rates. A national survey found that students in similar art contests were 20 percent more likely to discuss politics at home.
Mesa County’s program could inspire other areas. Nearby Merced County in California recently announced winners for their own sticker designs, focusing on early voting themes for 2026.
As elections approach, these stickers will remind voters of the creativity and energy young people bring to democracy.
What do you think of the winning designs? Share your thoughts in the comments below or post about it on social media to spread the word about youth involvement in elections.
