Inspiring the Next Generation of Civic Leaders: Vermont Kids Design "I Voted" Stickers

In a heartwarming display of civic engagement, three Vermont kids have been selected to have their original artwork featured on "I Voted" stickers for the upcoming election season. This initiative, spearheaded by Seven Days, the Vermont Secretary of State's office, and several partners, is part of the 2024 Good Citizen Challenge, a program aimed at empowering young Vermonters to become active and informed citizens.

Empowering Vermont's Youth to Shape the Future

Unleashing Creativity for a Cause

The "I Voted" sticker design contest received an overwhelming response, with more than 80 kids from across the state submitting their artistic creations. The judging panel, composed of staff members from Seven Days, the Vermont Secretary of State's office, and a panel of city and town clerks, had the challenging task of selecting the winning entries.Cathy Resmer, the deputy publisher of Seven Days, expressed her vision for the contest, stating, "What I was really hoping to get out of it was to give kids a fun and exciting way to get involved in the voting process. Obviously, they can't vote. But this was a way to involve them in getting to the polls and inspiring adults, hopefully, to do the same."The winning design came from Kezia Warfisch, a 10-year-old from Wolcott, whose artwork will adorn the "I Voted" stickers handed out to voters in her hometown. The judging panel also selected two runners-up, Lyle Johnson and Willa Saunders, both from Burlington, ensuring that voters in the city will have a choice between their creative designs.

Fostering Civic Engagement Beyond the Ballot Box

The "I Voted" sticker design contest was just one facet of the 2024 Good Citizen Challenge, a multifaceted program that engaged over 250 Vermont kids in a wide range of civic activities throughout the summer.Resmer elaborated on the diverse initiatives that the young participants embraced, "They picked up trash in their communities. They read the news and watched the news on TV. And they raised money for local organizations. We had kids raise hundreds of dollars for flood relief, for Intervale farmers, kids raising money for the Franklin County animal rescue. All kinds of different local charities."The emphasis of the program, Resmer explained, was not on finding the "right answer," but rather on providing opportunities for the kids to participate and reflect on the importance of civic engagement. "It was really giving them an opportunity to participate and reflect on 'why do we participate?'" she said.

Inspiring a New Generation of Civic Leaders

The organizers of the 2024 Good Citizen Challenge are hopeful that the "I Voted" sticker design contest will become a cherished tradition, inspiring future generations of Vermont kids to embrace their civic responsibilities and make their voices heard.Resmer's enthusiasm for the program's impact was palpable, "Obviously, they can't vote. But this was a way to involve them in getting to the polls and inspiring adults, hopefully, to do the same." By empowering young Vermonters to contribute their creativity and passion to the electoral process, the initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of engaged and informed citizens, poised to shape the future of their communities and the state.As the 2024 election season approaches, the "I Voted" stickers designed by these talented Vermont kids will serve as a tangible reminder of the power of youth involvement in the democratic process, inspiring both young and old to exercise their civic duty and make their mark on the future.