Michigan voters heading to the polls this November will have a fresh batch of miniature works of art to accent their ballots, courtesy of a statewide creative competition that drew thousands of entries from across the Great Lakes State. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the nine winning designs of the 2026 Michigan “I Voted” sticker design contest, offering local election clerks the option to distribute the badges during the upcoming general election.
This initiative marks the second election year the Michigan Department of State has held a statewide design contest for the “I Voted” sticker.
The statewide competition received 2,095 total submissions—representing a fourfold increase compared to the 2024 contest launch, as reported by state records. Public enthusiasm was equally robust, with more than 53,000 votes cast to help determine the final winners across multiple age categories, as detailed by the Michigan Department of State.
From Thousands of Submissions to Nine Final Champions
Organizing a contest of this magnitude required extensive collaboration. The Michigan Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force played a central role in conceptualizing the event and managing the influx of artwork. Members of the task force initially sorted through thousands of entries, ultimately narrowing the field down to 30 semifinalists in each designated age bracket before opening the ballot to the public.
Blase Johnson, chair of the 2025-2026 Michigan Collegiate Student Advisory Task Force, noted that reviewing the artwork offered a unique lens into the state’s cultural fabric. “There were so many creative, beautiful, and endearing depictions of Michigan and its culture across the thousands of submissions sent in,” Johnson said, according to state announcements. “It was easy to feel the love the artists of all ages had for this state.”
Three distinct winners were selected from each of the three core entry categories: elementary and middle school (grades K-8), high school (grades 9-12), and a general entry division open to Michigan residents of all ages. The winning designers represent communities spanning the state:
- Elementary / Middle School (Grades K-8): Aryana Lintz of Berrien Springs, Aleymi Perez Ramos of Romulus, and Naia Montgomery of Detroit. CBS News reported that Aryana Lintz emerged as a top winner in the grade school division.
- High School (Grades 9-12): Lenore Coil of Saginaw, Ahmad Bazzi of Dearborn Heights, and Keirsten Sturm-Richmond of Remus. Lenore Coil secured a top position in the high school competition.
- General Entry (All Ages): Maddie Tallman of Woodhaven, Lisa Damesworth of Redford Charter Township, and Hilarie Williams of Oak Park. Maddie Tallman took top honors in the general category.
Eclectic Imagery Reflects Local Culture
The winning artwork captures a local cross-section of Michigan identity. CBS News highlighted that the final selections feature motifs, including a weary, nap-ready cat, a visual tribute to the sunken freighter Edmund Fitzgerald, and a design celebrating the colloquialism, “No, yeah.”
For voters, getting these stickers serves as a tangible reward for participating in the democratic process. “I’m excited to express that love myself by voting in our general election this fall and getting a sticker as a nice bonus!” Johnson remarked.
“The sticker contest is a great way for people of all ages to participate in our democracy,” Benson stated.
What Comes Next for Election Clerks
With the winning designs officially selected and announced, county and municipal election clerks across Michigan now have the option to order the new stickers. These badges will be made available to voters in the November general election.
Residents looking for additional information regarding voting and elections in Michigan can consult official state resources by visiting mi.gov/vote.
What do you think of this year’s winning sticker designs? Drop a comment below and share this article with fellow voters to spread the word about Michigan’s newest election traditions!
