Bernalillo County announced the winners of its 2026 “I Voted” sticker contest, a program that encourages civic pride among local youth. Twelve students from Albuquerque Public Schools were chosen to have their artwork printed on the official stickers that will be handed out to voters during the November 2026 General Election.
Contest details and participation
The county received 500 submissions from students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. The theme for this year’s competition was “Voting Is Your Superpower,” a call for young creators to illustrate the power of participating in the democratic process.
Four winners were selected from each grade division – elementary, middle, and high school – ensuring representation across the full spectrum of ages. All winning designs will be reproduced on the official “I Voted” stickers that Bernalillo County plans to distribute at polling places and voter outreach events.
Recognition and upcoming ceremony
The student artists will be formally recognized at the Bernalillo County Commission meeting scheduled for 5 p.m. on September 9. The meeting will be held at Alvarado Square, providing a public venue for families, teachers, and community members to celebrate the achievements of the young designers.
County officials emphasized that the contest not only highlights artistic talent but also reinforces the importance of voting as a civic duty. By involving students in the creation of election‑related materials, the county hopes to foster a lifelong habit of participation among the next generation of voters.
How the stickers will be used
Once printed, the stickers will be distributed to all registered voters in Bernalillo County during the 2026 General Election. Voters who receive a sticker are encouraged to display it as a visible sign of their participation, reinforcing the message that each vote contributes to the health of the community.
The county’s elections office plans to make the stickers available at voter registration centers, community events, and through participating local businesses. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to increase voter turnout and civic engagement across New Mexico.
About the contest organizers
The contest is administered by the Bernalillo County Elections Department in partnership with Albuquerque Public Schools. The program is part of the county’s ongoing outreach strategy to engage young people in the democratic process and to promote the values of responsible citizenship.
For a complete list of the winning students and to view their artwork, readers can visit the county’s official website.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
