Following a successful inaugural contest in 2023 the Tompkins County Board of Elections is announcing its second annual “I Voted” sticker contest for students in grades 6-12, with a new “Future Voter” sticker contest for students in grades k-5. The contests set out to increase civic engagement and participation by young people in Tompkins County. “I Voted” stickers will be distributed to all general election voters this November, “Future Voter” stickers will be handed out to young people joining their families at the polls to learn more about democracy and voting. Submissions are being accepted through May 1.
Contest rules and the submission form can be found online at: https://tcgov.co/2024sticker
For the “I Voted” sticker contest, submitted artwork must say “I Voted” somewhere visible and must fit in a 2-inch by 2-inch circle. Submissions must be original artwork and may be hand drawn or created using a computer.
“Future Voter” submissions must be submitted from a template provided by the County and must also be original artwork and may be hand drawn or created using a computer.
After all submissions are received, Tompkins County Board of Elections Staff will select up to six finalists in each contest for voting by the entire community. The “I Voted” sticker that receives the most votes from Tompkins County residents will be printed and distributed to all voters in the November 2024 general election, the “Future Voter” sticker that receives the most votes will be printed and distributed to young people joining their families at the polls. For updates from the Board of Elections, including the announcements on this contest, sign up for the department’s email newsletter.
A flyer is available for download and is being shared with schools and community organizations serving young people: https://tcgov.co/2024stickerflyer
The “future voter” sticker template can be downloaded at https://tcgov.co/2024futurevoter, or printed copies are available at the Board of Elections, 128 E. Buffalo St. in Ithaca.
Republican Elections Commissioner Alanna Congdon stated, “Our first contest in 2023 was so much fun for students and voters, I’m looking forward to the great artwork we’ll see in 2024. We’re looking for creative ideas to celebrate voting, and we encourage all students regardless of your artistic experience to submit your designs.” Congdon continued, “Our Board of Elections staff and poll workers love having this opportunity to help students learn about local elections processes and civic engagement.”
Democratic Elections Commissioner Stephen Dewitt stated, “There are so many great young artists in Tompkins County, we’re excited to see what designs get brought forward. We’re expecting a high voter turnout with this being a presidential election year, I can’t think of a better opportunity to get young people engaged with democracy in action.”