UNION W.Va. (WVDN) – In coordination with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, Monroe County 8th-grade students participated in the state’s inaugural “I Voted!” Sticker Contest. This exciting new initiative, launched by Secretary of State Kris Warner, invited eighth graders across West Virginia to design original “I Voted!” stickers to be distributed to voters during the 2026 primary and general elections.
The contest encouraged young artists to create designs incorporating the phrase “I Voted!” while reflecting themes of civic pride, democracy, and West Virginia heritage. Submissions were judged locally in each county, with the goal of engaging students in the electoral process, fostering creativity, and highlighting the importance of voting. By involving youth in this hands-on civic education project, the program aims to build lifelong appreciation for democratic participation and inspire the next generation of informed voters. Early involvement in such activities helps students understand their role in shaping their communities, state, and nation through active citizenship.
Monroe County Clerk Jeremy Meadows expressed great enthusiasm for the contest and the talented entries received.
“I am incredibly proud of the creativity and effort our local 8th graders put into this first-ever ‘I Voted!’ Sticker Contest,” said Clerk Meadows. “The artwork was truly beautiful, and it was extremely difficult for the judges to select just a few winners because every piece was so impressive.”
Clerk Meadows announced the following local winners:
• First Place: Blaklee Guzman, Mountain View Middle School
• Second Place: Kya Williams, Peterstown Middle School
• Third Place: Rory K. Wade, Mountain View Middle School
He emphasized that the competition was so strong that no single design—or even just a few—could fully capture the talent on display.
“Ultimately, I couldn’t choose just a couple to feature,” Meadows added. “Instead, all of the entrants’ artwork will be featured on the ‘I Voted!’ stickers distributed during the primary and general elections this year. No matter the outcome of the judging, every student who participated is a winner. Their contributions will proudly be seen by voters across Monroe County.”
To commemorate their participation, Clerk Meadows will provide each student entrant with special stamps as keepsakes for their parents or guardians to treasure as mementos of this meaningful civic project.
This initiative underscores the vital connection between education, art, and democracy. By empowering young people to contribute to the electoral process, Monroe County is investing in its future. These students represent the next generation of leaders, voters, and engaged citizens who will carry forward the values of our county, state, and country. Encouraging their participation today ensures a stronger, more vibrant democracy for tomorrow.
For more information about the contest or upcoming elections, contact the Monroe County Clerk’s Office at 304-772-3096 or visit www.monroecountywv.gov.
