Teaming up with local school divisions to launch an I Voted sticker contest, the City of Lethbridge invites Kindergarten to Grade 12 students to design the stickers voters will receive during the upcoming municipal election in October.
“We’re excited to see what the young artists come up with,” says Bonnie Hilford, city clerk and returning officer. “This is a fun way to get students, and our future voters, involved in democracy and get residents talking about the upcoming election and voting.”
Students cannot vote in the municipal election, but the results will directly impact them, adds Christine Light, Lethbridge School Division board chair.
“This initiative is a creative way to involve our youth with the greater community and hopefully raise awareness of the importance of everyone using their voices and participating in the democratic process,” says Light.
The winning sticker design will be available at polling stations during the election voting period, Oct. 8-20. Voters who cast their ballots will have the chance to collect one of these exclusive designs, making them both a keepsake and a conversation starter.
“We’re printing a limited run of the stickers to encourage early voting and build some buzz around the election,” notes Hilford. “This campaign forms part of the City’s broader effort to boost voter engagement and civic pride, while giving students a chance to contribute to the democratic experience.”
The sticker contest entry deadline is June 20, with submissions collected from each school by the City for deliberation. The winning artist will be announced in September.
The winner will also receive a pizza party lunch to celebrate their creative success with their new classmates.
