Annabelle Morton, an elementary schooler within the City School District of Albany, unveiled her winning design of the 2025 Albany County ‘I Voted’ Sticker contest before the regular meeting of the Albany County Legislature on Tuesday.

Morton’s design – depicting the City of Albany skyline, a row of tulips, and the iconic statue of Nipper the Dog on a red, white, and blue background – garnered over 99% of the public votes that determined the winner. Her design was one of 10 finalists selected by a panel of judges from the Legislature, the Albany Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the League of Women Voters (LWV) of Albany County.

Overall, dozens of designs were submitted by students in grades K-12 from throughout Albany County for the third-annual contest. Last year, over 60,000 stickers were distributed to voters on Election Day.

More photos are available here.

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, this sticker reminds us of all of the sacrifices that were made to ensure that all Americans are heard.”

Albany County Legislative Black Caucus Chair Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin said: “Civic engagement is not just a right. It is a responsibility we all share to help uphold our democracy. This contest serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of our voices in the democratic process. Whether you are a child or an adult, this sticker is a symbol of how our voices and our votes can lead to meaningful change.”

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “Annabelle’s design reminds us that civic participation begins long before we step into a voting booth. It begins with learning, curiosity, and pride in our community. The Democratic Majority in the Albany County Legislature is proud to support initiatives that help young people see themselves as active participants in our democracy and recognize the value of public service at every level.”