THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, NOVEmbER 13, 2026 Page 11 Two fifth-grade friends, a clock, and a pair of cats: Everett residents’ designs become the city’s “I Voted” stickers Limited-edition stickers from the city’s first-ever design contest were so popular that supplies ran out Friends Alae A. and Emma W. receive their citations from Mayor Robert Van Campen, recognizing their first- and second-place finishes, respectively, in the Youth Category. (Photos courtesy of City of Everett Mayor’s Office) Special to The Advocate T wo fifth-grade friends from the same Everett classroom took the top two spots in the youth category of the City of Everett’s first-ever “I Voted” Sticker Contest. Their designs, along with the top two adult winners, were printed as limited-edition stickers and handed to voters during early voting and at polling locations across Everett for the November 3 State Election. Demand was so strong that the stickers ran out. The contest invited residents to submit original designs in two categories: Youth (under 18) and Adult (18 and older). Fifteen finalists advanced to a ranked-choice public vote, and 188 residents voted to select the winners. Mayor Robert J. Van Campen recognized all winners with citations. “I loved seeing residents of all ages take part, especially our young residents who are already finding creative ways to Youth Category first-place winner Alae A. poses with her family and Mayor Robert Van Campen. Youth Category second-place winner Emma W. poses with her family and Mayor Robert Van Campen. The five winning designs from the City of Everett’s inaugural “I Voted” Sticker Contest. engage with democracy,” said Mayor Van Campen. “Civic participation should be meaningful and accessible, and this contest gave residents a fun, personal way to connect with the election process. I hope this is the first of many opportunities like it in Everett.” The winners Youth Category • First Place: Alae A. • Second Place: Emma W. Alae and Emma are friends and classmates in the same Mayor Robert Van Campen reads a citation recognizing Ward 5 Councillor Vivian Nguyen’s third-place finish in the Adult Category. fifth-grade class. Both drew inspiration from the American flag. Adult Category • First Place: Cristian V., who designed around a clock and the idea that it was “time to vote.” • Second Place: Jay L., whose playful design features two cats holding a pen and wearing an “I Voted” sticker. • Third Place: Vivian Nguyen, Everett’s Ward 5 Councillor, who created an artistic rendering of Mayor Robert Van Campen congratulates Cristian V. on his first-place finish in the Adult Category. Everett City Hall. “We always enjoy opportunities to connect with residents in new ways, and the creativity they bring never ceases to amaze us,” said Director of Elections Kristin Foote. “It was exciting to see residents take ownership of this project and help bring these designs from the drawing board to Election Day.” Demand outpaced supply The City originally planned to print only the first-place designs but added the second-place designs as a bonus. After demand during early voting exceeded expectations, the City ordered additional stickers. Even so, supplies ran out, with many residents eager to get their hands on a favorite design. The response has already given the City something to look forward to. The City plans to bring the contest back for the next election, in hopes of making it an ongoing opportunity for residents to celebrate voting and take part in local civic life. Ward 5 Councillor Vivian Nguyen receives a citation from Mayor Robert Van Campen for her third-place design in the Adult Category. Emma W. receives her citation from Mayor Robert Van Campen for her second-place design in the Youth Category. Adult Category first-place winner Cristian V. receives his citation from Mayor Robert Van Campen. Alae A. receives her citation from Mayor Robert Van Campen for her firstplace design in the Youth Category.
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