Whatcom County is giving residents a chance to shape what voters see when they drop their ballots this fall. The county launched its first-ever "I Voted" sticker design contest, and voting on the six finalist designs is now open through 4:30 p.m. on May 29, 2026. The winning design will be revealed on June 1.
The contest drew a strong community response in its first round, with multiple entries submitted by local designers and community members. Six designs advanced from the initial field to the public vote. The Whatcom County Elections office is hosting the vote at form.jotform.com/Whatcom_County/vote-i-voted-sticker and has promoted the contest through the county's official social media channels.
Washington State holds its elections almost entirely by mail, and Whatcom County voters receive and return ballots by post or at drop boxes. The "I Voted" sticker tradition, widely associated with in-person polling places in other states, has taken on a different character here. Voters who want a sticker typically request one when returning their ballot in person at the county elections office or at events, and the sticker has become a small but visible piece of civic identity for participants.
The Whatcom County Auditor's Office oversees all elections in the county, including voter registration, ballot processing, and results certification. The office recently certified results from the April 28 special election, keeping an active schedule of civic engagement through mid-year. The sticker contest is part of a broader effort to increase engagement with elections, particularly among younger voters and residents who may not traditionally see elections as interactive or community-driven.
Residents interested in voting for their preferred design can find the finalist designs and the voting form through the Whatcom County website. The deadline is firm at 4:30 p.m. on May 29, and the winning design will be posted on the elections page on June 1.
The move to involve the public in designing the sticker reflects a growing trend among county governments to invite community creativity into civic processes. Similar contests have been held in other Washington counties, often resulting in designs that reflect local landscapes, wildlife, or cultural identity. Whatcom County's finalists are expected to reflect the area's natural environment and Pacific Northwest character.
Beyond the sticker contest, the Whatcom County Elections office is also a resource for voters checking their registration status, looking up upcoming election dates, or requesting accessible voting accommodations. Washington's automatic voter registration system means many residents may already be registered without realizing it.
The winning sticker will be produced and distributed in time for future elections in Whatcom County. Community members who want to stay informed about upcoming election dates, ballot measures, and civic events can sign up for county alerts at the Whatcom County Government website.
