Mesa County officials have announced the winners of their annual I Voted sticker contest, highlighting creative designs from local students. The third yearly event drew record participation and selected four standout entries from grades four through nine, with public voting playing a key role in the final choices.

Contest Highlights and Background

This popular contest invites students in grades one through twelve to design stickers that celebrate voting. Started three years ago, it aims to boost civic interest among young people in western Colorado.

Organizers say the program ties into broader efforts to encourage early engagement with democracy. Similar contests have popped up in other states, like Michigan and West Virginia, where student designs also grace election stickers.

This year, the contest ran from September through December 2025, with submissions due by late October. A panel of election judges reviewed entries before opening public voting on the top picks.

Record Breaking Participation

Participation soared this time, with over 175 submissions flooding in from schools across the county. That marks a big jump from about 90 entries last year and even fewer in the first contest.

Officials credit outreach to schools and social media for the increase. High school students showed up in force for the first time, submitting dozens of designs.

This growth reflects a rising interest in elections among youth. National trends show more teens getting involved in civic activities, spurred by recent events like the 2024 presidential race.

The selection process involved narrowing down to 32 finalists. Public voting then decided the winners, ensuring community input shaped the outcome.

Meet the Winning Students

Four talented students claimed the top spots, each bringing unique flair to their designs. Their artwork will appear on stickers handed out during the 2026 elections.

Here is a quick look at the winners:

• Alayna Labrum, fourth grade, with a colorful design featuring local landmarks.
• Rhett Behrman, fourth grade, focusing on patriotic themes.
• Jacob Walden, eighth grade, incorporating modern graphics.
• Amora Wilson, ninth grade, emphasizing unity and voting power.

These designs stood out for creativity and relevance to Mesa County’s spirit. Winners get recognition and see their work distributed widely.

Why This Contest Matters

Beyond fun, the contest teaches kids about elections and why voting counts. Bobbie Gross, the county clerk and recorder, noted the excitement around high school involvement as a sign of growing civic pride.

Experts say such programs help combat low voter turnout among young adults. In Colorado, youth voting rates have climbed in recent years, hitting over 60 percent in the 2024 election cycle.

By involving students early, Mesa County hopes to build lifelong habits. Similar initiatives elsewhere have led to higher engagement, with some winners even pursuing careers in public service.

This event also ties into national pushes for election education. With 2026 midterm elections approaching, stickers like these could remind voters of the democratic process.

Participation Trends Over the Years

To show how the contest has grown, here is a simple table comparing key stats:

These numbers highlight steady expansion and increasing student interest.

Upcoming Recognition and Future Plans

The winners will be honored at a county commissioners’ public hearing on January 13, 2026. This event lets them share their designs and stories with leaders and the community.

Looking ahead, officials plan to expand the contest for 2027, possibly adding categories for digital designs. They encourage more schools to join and aim for even higher participation.

If you enjoyed reading about these young artists and their role in democracy, share this article with friends or leave a comment below on your favorite voting traditions.