Dutchess County residents can now vote for the design they want to see on official “I Voted” stickers distributed at polling places during the 2026 general election.
The Dutchess County Board of Elections selected six finalists from 55 entries submitted by county residents ages 9 to 18, according to a press release from the board. Online voting for the winning sticker design is open through Sept. 7.
A panel of judges chose the finalists Monday, July 6.
The panel included Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino, County Legislature Chair Yvette Valdés Smith, County Comptroller Dan Aymar-Blair, Poughkeepsie Public Arts Commission Chair Tim McQueen, and Arts Commissioner Ty Johnson.
“I’m overwhelmed by the participation in the inaugural year and even more impressed by the creativity and quality of the submissions,” Republican Elections Commissioner Erik Haight said in the release.
“Each design reflected not only their artistic talent but a genuine excitement for civic engagement, which is especially meaningful at such a young age, when early experiences with voting and elections can inspire lifelong participation,” said County Legislature Chair Yvette Valdés Smith.
The design receiving the most votes will be printed on stickers distributed to voters across Dutchess County.
Residents can vote online through the Board of Elections’ contest survey.
All the contestants should be proud of their work. My question is 1. what is wrong with the current sticker and 2. what is the cost to the taxpayers? Aren’t there more important consideration in Dutchess than new stickers?