ALBANY COUNTY — Students county-wide are invited to enter their artwork in a competition to illustrate “I Voted” stickers to be handed out during the November elections.

“I love this contest every year because it reminds me that voting is the most powerful instrument in the orchestra of democracy,” said Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham in a release promoting the contest. “Voting honors our freedom. Celebrating and sharing that with young and soon-to-be voters is an annual tradition that I hope continues to inspire them for years to come.

Albany County students in kindergarten through 12th grade may submit a single, original, non-partisan, design that includes the phrase, “I Voted,” and can fit on a 2-inch diameter circular sticker. Submissions may be created with crayon, pencil, ink, or digital tools.

Submissions may be dropped off in person at certain area schools or the Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office Building at 112 State Street in Albany. Digital entries may be sent to AlbanyCountyIVoted@albanycountyny.gov.

The overall deadline for submissions is midnight, July 11. In-person drop-off dates and times may vary by location. Locations may be found on the County’s website.

Beyond artwork, submissions must include the artist’s name, age, grade, current school or homeschool, address, phone number, and email address. If an artist is under 18 years old, a consent form from a parent or guardian is also required.

All contest details and consent forms are available at albanycounty.com/ivotedsticker.

A panel of seven judges will select finalists by July 31, based on three criteria: artistic skill and excellence, meaningful and consistent theme, and uniqueness of design. The public will vote for a winner online from Aug. 1 to 29, 2025.

The winning design will be distributed at Albany County polling places on General Election Day, Nov. 4.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer