El Paso County, Colo. – The County Clerk and Recorder’s Office announced the six winners of its annual “I Voted” sticker design contest on Tuesday at the Board of County Commissioners meeting. The contest, open to students from 1st through 12th grade, received dozens of entries that celebrate the right and responsibility of voting.

Winners and their designs

Two students were selected from each of three grade‑level categories – elementary, middle and high school. The winning designs will be printed on stickers that accompany the official ballot packets mailed to registered voters on Monday, October 5.

• Mia Rodriguez, a 3rd‑grader at Academy for Advanced and Creative Learning
• Taliah Kellar, a 5th‑grader at Lewis Palmer Elementary
• Juliet Mendenhall, a 7th‑grader at Russell Middle School
• Grace Shin, an 8th‑grader at Lewis Palmer Middle School
• Kendall Lee, a 10th‑grader at Sand Creek High School
• Olivia Zapata, an 11th‑grader at Pine Creek High School

Each student received a $100 gift card in recognition of their creativity and civic spirit.

Clerk and Recorder’s remarks

“The creativity and civic spirit shown by these students is truly inspiring,” said El Paso County Clerk and Recorder Steve Schleiker in the press release. “Each of our six winners created more than a sticker; they created a powerful reminder that voting is both a right and responsibility, and that civic engagement can begin at any age. I’m proud to celebrate these talented young artists and grateful to every student who shared their imagination, enthusiasm, and voice with our community.”

Why the contest matters

The contest aligns with the county’s ongoing effort to promote civic education and voter participation among young people. By placing student artwork directly on the ballot packet, the county hopes to remind voters – and their families – that democracy thrives when citizens of all ages understand the importance of casting a ballot.

Local educators have praised the initiative as a practical way to connect classroom lessons on government with real‑world participation. “When students see their work travel to every home in the county, it reinforces the idea that each vote matters,” said a teacher at Lewis Palmer Elementary who helped students brainstorm design ideas.

Looking ahead

The stickers will be distributed with the October 5 ballot packets, which include the upcoming primary elections for state and local offices. County officials encourage all eligible voters to review the ballot materials carefully and to bring any questions to their local polling place.

For more information about the contest, upcoming elections, or how to get involved in civic‑education programs, residents can visit the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s website or contact the office directly.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.