Starting Thursday, Albany County students have the chance to design a new sticker to be distributed at County polling locations during this year's General Election in November.

The contest, which was announced in a press conference last month, is a collaborative effort between the Legislature and the League of Women Voters of Albany County to engage more youth in the democratic process through education and awareness. Youth from around the County will be able to submit their designs by July 14, 2023. The winning design will become the 2023 'I voted' sticker for Albany County polling locations.

"I can't think of a better way to get our young people excited about voting than this contest. Having our future generation of voters learn about the civic process in a fun, creative manner is a wonderful way to pique their interest early on. I look forward to seeing the entries and meeting the artists," said Legislator Vicky Plotsky, who spearheaded the initiative.

“It’s never too early for kids of all ages to learn the importance of voting. This fundamental right is at the center of democracy and it’s important to remind young people in Albany County about the strength of their vote,” said Chairman Andrew Joyce. “I have no doubt that this contest will inspire kids and adults alike to take a greater interest in elections.”

“Since 2010, the League of Women Voters has aimed through its national Youth Voter Registration Project to bring more young people into the democratic process. The League of Women Voters of Albany County puts a high priority on encouraging the youth vote. Our school liaison volunteers contact every secondary school in the County every year, to provide a voter registration drive in the school or to provide the materials and training for the schools to hold their own registration drives. This contest will provide a creative opportunity to engage the youth in Albany County in our democracy,” said Deborah Liebman, 1st Vice President and Director of Voter Services League of Women Voters of Albany County.

A panel of judges made up of Chairman Andrew Joyce; Legislator Vicky Plotsky; and Laura Brignull, League of Women Voters of Albany County will evaluate all submissions before selecting the finalists. The stickers that receive the most votes will be printed and distributed as the 2023 ‘I Voted’ sticker at polling locations across the County.

For more guidelines and more information on where designs can be submitted, please visit albanycounty.com/ivotedsticker.