Winners announced in annual voting sticker contest
Published on August 27, 2026
The Tompkins County Board of Elections has announced the winners of its 2026 voting sticker contests. This year’s contests drew a record-breaking 169 submissions, and more than 800 votes were cast by members of the public to select one “I Voted” design and two “Future Voter” designs, which tied for first place.
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Leo Walsh’s winning “I Voted” design frames the words “I Voted” and a peaceful lake-and-forest scene with red and white stripes and blue, star-filled panels resembling folded-back flags. Leo, a homeschooled ninth-grade student, explained that his initial design evolved and the final version reminded him of a window overlooking a lake.
The winning “Future Voter” stickers were designed by Addie Miller and Fiona Beary, both fifth-grade students at Lansing Middle School. Each design celebrates the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026.
Addie’s design features a birthday cupcake with blue frosting, a red-and-white striped wrapper displaying the number 250, and a single lit candle. Addie chose a cupcake because she enjoys them and thought it offered a simple, recognizable way to represent the nation’s 250th birthday on a small sticker.
Fiona’s design features a smiling beaver dressed in a blue suit, red bow tie and black “I Voted” top hat. The beaver holds an American flag displaying the number 250 and is surrounded by red and blue fireworks and the words “Happy Birthday America.” Fiona selected the beaver because it is New York’s official state animal and represents hard work, community, and cooperation. She added the patriotic clothing, historic top hat and celebratory details to make the design feel festive and joyful.
Leo’s primary hobby is playing keyboard in an electronic band. Addie likes running, arts and crafts, and spending time with her kitten, Rosie. Fiona enjoys swimming, dancing, drawing, and learning about science and history. She is especially interested in animals, paleontology and protecting the environment.
The annual contests encourage young people to express their creativity while learning about elections, voting, and civic participation in Tompkins County.
The winning “I Voted” sticker will be distributed to voters during the general election this November. The “Future Voter” stickers will be available for young people who accompany their families to the polls and learn more about democracy and voting.
The winners will receive copies of their stickers and be recognized with proclamations from the Tompkins County Legislature at its September 15 meeting.
“Each of these designs brings creativity and personality to an important civic tradition,” Republican Elections Commissioner Alanna Congdon said. “We are excited for voters and future voters to receive stickers designed by young people from our own community.”
“The record number of submissions shows how this contest can bring young people and the broader community into the democratic process,” Democratic Elections Commissioner Stephen DeWitt said. “We congratulate Leo, Addie and Fiona, and thank every student who shared their talent and ideas with us.”