With voters casting ballots on school budgets this May, the Albany County Legislature has updated its “I Voted” sticker contest with a new and free coloring book!
All Albany County K-12 students are invited to download a copy at bit.ly/IVotedColoringBook or albanycountyny.gov/government/county-legislature/i-voted-sticker-contest. Printed copies are also available at the front desk of the Harold L. Joyce Albany County Office Building at 112 State Street in Albany.
Students are then encouraged to submit a single, original, non-partisan, design that includes the phrase, “I Voted,” and can fit on a 2-inch diameter circular sticker. Submissions can be created with the page from the coloring book or from scratch using crayon, pencil, ink, or digital tools.
Submissions can be dropped off in-person to the County Legislature’s Offices. Digital entries can be sent to AlbanyCountyIVoted@albanycountyny.gov.
The overall deadline for submissions is midnight, July 11, 2025.
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, 2025, 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 August 1-29, 2025.
The winning design will be distributed at Albany County polling places on General Election Day, November 4, 2025.
Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “I love this contest every year because it reminds me that voting is the most powerful instrument in the orchestra of democracy. 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 Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: “It doesn’t matter how strong your convictions, rhetoric, or opinions are if you forfeit your vote then you forfeit your voice. In its own small way, the sticker that wins this contest is a symbol that celebrates a quintessential American right. Importantly, it also reminds us of all of the sacrifices that were made by so many to ensure all Americans regardless of gender, race, or religion are heard.”
Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “Voting is powerful – and so is getting students excited about it early on. This contest connects students to the democratic process and reminds them that their voices matter. Every year, voters look forward to proudly displaying their sticker as a symbol of civic pride and participation. We’re proud to support initiatives like this that empower the next generation of voters to help shape their communities.”
Albany County Legislative Black Caucus Chair Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin said: “Empowering our youth to express the importance of voting through art helps plant the seeds of civic responsibility early. This contest gives young people the chance to use their creativity in service of democracy, and that’s a powerful lesson—they learn that their voice matters even before they’re old enough to cast a ballot. Just like your vote, art is your voice. Share it to inspire others!”
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said: “This contest is a fun and meaningful way for students to express their artistic talents while promoting the importance of civic engagement. I look forward to seeing the creative designs they come up with.”
