The Lancaster County Election Commissioner’s Office is inviting residents to help create the county’s next “I Voted” and “Future Voter” stickers.
Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen announced the inaugural sticker design contest this week, calling it a fun way to engage the community ahead of the 2026 election season.
“The ‘I Voted’ sticker has become an important symbol of the voting process in our democracy,” Wiltgen said. “It’s my hope that this small piece of art will encourage voters, new and old, to share their civic pride and spread the word to vote.”
Residents of all ages can submit original designs for either the traditional “I Voted” sticker, given to voters who cast a ballot, or the “Future Voter” sticker, handed to children accompanying adults at the polls. Designs can be submitted online at lancaster.ne.gov/Election, by email to vote@lancaster.ne.gov, or in person at the Election Commission Office, 601 N. 46th Street, by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5.
Wiltgen said there are a few basic rules: entries must include the words “I Voted” or “Future Voter,” contain original artwork, and avoid references to political candidates, parties, or ballot issues. Submissions can be hand-drawn or digitally designed, but AI-generated art is not allowed.
“We looked at putting limits on who could enter,” Wiltgen said, “but we decided to leave the guardrails off and see what the community comes up with. An adult might design a great sticker for the kids, and a child might create a great one for the adults.”
While the contest is currently planned as a one-time event, Wiltgen said it could become annual if the response is strong. He added that he’s seen similar competitions at national election conferences where officials swap sticker designs from around the country. He hopes to bring that creative spirit to Lincoln.
“The stickers we have now are adequate, but they’re not very exciting,” he said. “We’re looking for something that stands out and helps spread the message about the importance of voting.”
Winners will be selected by staff at the Lancaster County Election Commissioner’s Office. Full contest rules are available at lancaster.ne.gov/Election.