LANSING, Mich. — The 2024 Presidential Election in November is still weeks away, but Michiganders are already making their voice heard with the announcement of Michigan's newest "I Voted" stickers.
That's right, this November you may see brand new "I Voted" stickers after casting your ballot at your local precinct.
It was all part of a statewide contest run by the Secretary of State's Office where nine designs were chosen as winners. Local election clerks will have the option to order any of these nine winners' designs for their precincts.
The contest was broken down into three categories: Elementary and middle school students, high school students, and the general population.
Two of the nine designs picked as winners were from people right here in West Michigan.
Gabby Warner of Rockford was one of the three winners in the elementary and middle school category with her simple "I Voted yay" sticker and Breanna Tanner of Grand Rapids was one of the general entry winners with her "Ope, I Voted" sticker.
13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke to the city clerk's office for Rockford and they confirmed that Gabby's stickers will be available on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024.
Michigan "I Voted" Sticker Contest Winners
The competition, launched in May by Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, allowed students enrolled in Michigan schools and residents the chance to submit for the competition.
“Congratulations to our winners in the state’s first 'I Voted' sticker design contest,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and creativity from the people of our great state. Now, let’s use the same energy in casting a vote this November. I encourage every eligible voter to make a plan now to have your voice heard – vote with an absentee ballot, at an early voting site, or on Election Day – and feel proud to wear a sticker designed by a fellow Michigander.”
More than 480 people submitted for the contest. The Michigan Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force decided on the 25 semifinalists in each category.
"On behalf of the Collegiate Student Advisory Taskforce, I would like to congratulate the finalists and express our gratitude to all the talented artists who submitted stickers for the competition. We appreciate every submission and hope that the chosen stickers will bring a sense of fun and joy to the people of Michigan as they cast their ballots in November!" said Zena Aljilehawi, chair of the 2024 Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force, whose members came up with the idea to host the sticker contest.
Dozens of other West Michigan residents and students were selected as finalists in the contest, but did not win.
