The submission deadline for the Johnson County 'I Voted' sticker contest is Friday, July 5

Time is running out for designs that will be featured at polls across Johnson County this November.

The Johnson County Auditor's Office is holding an "I Voted" sticker design contest, allowing local artists to design one of the sticker options available to thousands of voters on Election Day.

The contest is open to residents of all ages. Those 17 years old and under can enter their work in the youth division, while all others 18 and older can enter in the adult division.

Artists lean on "I voted" theme

There are a few rules for artists to keep in mind.

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Designs must include the words "I Voted," though artists are free to include additional language, as long as it remains politically neutral. Artwork must be original, it cannot be generated from AI or pulled from stock images. Designs must also avoid obscenity, violence and defamation.

The auditor has provided a printable Canva template for hand-drawn designs, available on its website. The templates can also be picked up from the auditor's office, which has been temporarily relocated to the Health & Human Services Building at 855 S. Dubuque Street as construction work continues.

Digital files are also accepted. The guidelines indicate artists should create their design within a 2" diameter circle in mind.

Completed designs can be submitted in person at the auditor's office, online by emailing stickercontest@johnsoncountyiowa.gov, or through mailing to the auditor's office at its typical address at 913 S. Dubuque Street.

Deadline is next week

Submissions will be accepted through Friday, July 5.

A panel of Johnson County employees will choose the top five designs in each competition.

The public will then vote on their favorite in each of the two age groups.

The winning stickers will be printed and made available at all polling places throughout Johnson County leading up to and through the 2024 general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached atrhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.