LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — The nine winners of the state's first-ever "I Voted" sticker design contest have been announced.
These winning designs will be available for clerks to order and give out to voters in the state's 2024 Presidential Election.
More than 480 designed were submitted when Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the contest in May, and in the contest, over 57,700 public votes were cast for the winners.
“Congratulations to our winners in the state’s first 'I Voted' sticker design contest,” Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “I was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and creativity from the people of our great state. Now, let’s use the same energy in casting a vote this November. I encourage every eligible voter to make a plan now to have your voice heard – vote with an absentee ballot, at an early voting site, or on Election Day – and feel proud to wear a sticker designed by a fellow Michigander.”
Three winning designs were selected from each category: elementary and middle school (grades K-8), high school (grades 9-12) and general entry (open to Michigan residents of all ages).
Kelsey Winiarski, a winner from the general category, says she found her love for art during a really dark time in her life.
“In my late 20s, I had a lot of depression and anxiety. And art was kind of just a great way to take my brain off of it and focus on something else and have something fun to look at at the end,” Winiarski said.
But through art, she found an outlet for her emotions and a talent she never knew she had.
TIMELAPSE: Watch Kelsey Winiarski of Livonia draw the cat 'I Voted' sticker
“I started with watercolors and making little stories about each character I paint. I eventually bought an iPad because I was running out of space in my house for all my watercolor paintings,” Winiarski said.
Winiarski told 7 News her hopes are her love for art will put a smile on someone else's face.
“I think there’s enough darkness and negativity in the world. So if I can make somebody happy with a silly little cat holding a sign, I’m definitely game to do so,” she said.
Below are the other winning designs:
Elementary/Middle School
Jane Hynous of Grosse Pointe, student at Brownell Middle School
Gabby Warner of Rockford
Katelyn Stouffer-Hopkins of Lansing
High School
Olivia Smiertka of Holly, student at Holly High School
Michelle Lekhtman of West Bloomfield, student at West Bloomfield High School
Andrew Brasher of Saint Louis, student at Alma High School
General Entry
Kelsey Winiarski of Livonia
Breanna Tanner of Grand Rapids
Madelyn VerVaecke of Livonia
