Public Invited to Vote Online Through September 7th — Winning Design to Appear on Official Stickers at the 2026 General Election
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — The Dutchess County Board of Elections announced today the selection of six finalists in its inaugural “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest, a first-of-its-kind initiative inviting county youth ages 9 to 18 to submit original artwork celebrating civic participation.
On Monday, July 6th, a panel of distinguished judges convened to review 55 entries submitted by young artists from across Dutchess County. After careful deliberation, the panel selected six finalists whose designs will now advance to a public online vote. Four additional designs were recognized as runners-up.
The judging panel included Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, County Legislature Chair Yvette Valdés Smith, County Comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair, Poughkeepsie Public Arts Commission Chair Tim McQueen, and Arts Commissioner Ty Johnson.
“It was a pleasure to select from the amazing artistry of our local students in Dutchess,” said Arts Commission Chair Tim McQueen. “It was very hard to select but exciting to see so many young people engaged.”
“Our Dutchess County youth have shown extraordinary creativity in this year’s ‘I Voted’ Sticker Design Contest and helping select the finalists was truly a privilege,” said County Legislature Chair Yvette Valdés Smith. “Each design reflected not only their artistic talent but a genuine excitement for civic engagement, which is especially meaningful at such a young age, when early experiences with voting and elections can inspire lifelong participation. As a mom and as a teacher, I’m very proud of every student who took part and grateful for the enthusiasm they brought to this effort.”
Dutchess County Democratic Elections Commissioner Lisa Jessup stressed the significance of the judges’ commitment. “In the aftermath of a terribly devastating storm in our county, our judges still showed up and showed that they prioritize our Dutchess youth and the importance of engaging them in voting,” she said. “It was a delight working with them in what I hope will be the first of many Dutchess County ‘I Voted’ sticker contests.”
Dutchess County Republican Elections Commissioner Erik Haight added: “I’m overwhelmed by the participation in the inaugural year and even more impressed by the creativity and quality of the submissions. I too thank the thoughtfulness of the panel of judges along with the steadfast work accomplished by staff and thank Commissioner Jessup for spearheading the project.”
The public is now invited to cast their vote for the ultimate winner at Cast Your Vote! Survey. Online voting is open now and will close on Sunday, September 7th. The winning design will be printed on official “I Voted” stickers and distributed to voters at polling locations throughout Dutchess County during the 2026 General Election.
For more information about the contest, contact the Dutchess County Board of Elections at 845-486-2473 or visit elections.dutchessny.gov.