The WV Secretary of State’s Office is hosting West Virginia’s first-ever “I Voted!” Sticker Contest to create interest in the state’s upcoming Primary Election and to celebrate some of the state’s best middle school artists.
Upshur County Clerk Carol Smith announced that student artists in the county participated in the contest.
The “I Voted!” sticker is given to voters after they cast a ballot in person during early voting or on election day.
“We are proud to partner with our local schools, the State Board of Education, and our county clerks to promote this contest for eighth-grade student artists throughout the state,” said WV Secretary of State Kris Warner.
Smith announced the county winners:
- First place: Dominic Distefano, Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School (Teacher: Jacob Smithmyer)
- Second place: Amelia Morehead, Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School (Teacher: Allysa Murphy)
- Third place: Jordan Anderson, Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School (Teacher: Jacob Smithmyer)
A total of 58 students entered the contest. The artwork from the first-place winner will now be sent to the WV Secretary of State’s Office for the Regional Contest. Four regional finalists will be announced on February 16. Those finalists will be judged and voted upon by the public on the WV Secretary of State’s Facebook page. A state winner will be announced on March 11 during WV Civics Learning Week at the State Capitol.
“We had a lot of great entries, and I want to thank all of the students who participated,” said Smith. “I want to wish our first-place winner, Dominic Distefano, the best of luck as he competes at the regional level.”
Smith expressed gratitude to fellow judges Donna Matthews, Bruce Tomblyn, Melissa Stimeling and Sharon Boone, as well as staff members Maranda LaFond and Brett Harris, for their support in organizing the selection process.
Smith also plans to showcase all of the entries at the courthouse during early voting.
More information on West Virginia’s “I Voted!” Sticker Contest can be found at GoVoteWV.com.
