Michigan Student Won Statewide Sticker Design Contest
Ahmad Bazzi of Crestwood High School is among nine winners who will have their art featured in the November election.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Civic Engagement
Live Poll
Do you believe local student art initiatives improve the community voting experience?
Michigan Secretary of State officials have named Crestwood High School senior Ahmad Bazzi a winner in the statewide I Voted sticker contest. His design depicting Michigan natural scenery was selected following a public voting process that saw significant statewide participation.
Why it matters
The contest aims to boost civic engagement and interest in elections by giving students a platform to contribute to the official voting experience. High participation levels signal a growing trend of youth involvement in the state's electoral process.
The contest drew 2,095 participants and recorded over 53,000 public votes. This turnout represents a fourfold increase in participation compared to the 2024 competition.
The players
Ahmad Bazzi
He is a senior at Crestwood High School in Dearborn Heights who won a statewide sticker design contest.
Michigan Secretary of State's Office
This state agency oversees elections, vehicle licensing, and various civic initiatives across Michigan.
Dearborn Heights City Council
The local governing body in Dearborn Heights recently honored Bazzi for his accomplishment in the contest.
The details
The competition, organized by the Michigan Secretary of State's Office, selected nine winners across various categories, with Bazzi placing as one of three winners in the high school division. Bazzi was recently honored by the Dearborn Heights City Council for his achievement.
Timeline
The 2024 competition served as the previous year for the contest.
Bazzi received recognition at a city council meeting on October 2, 2026.
Winning designs will be available to voters on November 3, 2026.
Need to Know
The competition aligns with the Michigan Secretary of State's I Voted sticker initiative to increase voter interest. It follows a pattern of state agencies utilizing public design contests to modernize electoral symbols.
Michigan voters will see the winning designs available at polling locations during the general election on November 3, 2026. These stickers serve as official markers of participation for residents casting their ballots.
The takeaway
The surge in contest participation highlights a significant increase in interest among Michigan students regarding the electoral process. Aspiring young designers can look for future state-sponsored contests as opportunities to directly influence civic materials.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's efforts to promote voter participation in Michigan Civic Engagement.
Live Poll
Do you believe local student art initiatives improve the community voting experience?
