SUNY Students Selected Designs for Election Stickers
The university system is holding a contest to determine the official sticker distributed to voters this November.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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SUNY students have submitted designs for the official "I Voted at SUNY" sticker that will be handed out at campus polling sites during the upcoming midterm elections. A public voting process is now underway to select the winning graphic from six institutional finalists.
Why it matters
The competition aims to encourage civil discourse and inspire nonpartisan civic engagement among the student body. By involving the university community in the election process, officials hope to increase participation during the November midterms.
Six student design finalists represent SUNY Oswego, College of Optometry, Binghamton University, University of New York at Buffalo, SUNY New Paltz, and Finger Lakes Community College. Voting is open to all students, faculty, and staff until October 15, 2026, at 3 p.m.
The players
SUNY
The State University of New York is a public university system based in Albany that includes dozens of campuses across the state.
The details
Participants were invited to submit original artwork for the stickers to be distributed at SUNY polling locations across New York. The selection process empowers the campus community to decide the visual representation of their civic participation this year.
Timeline
October 15, 2026, at 3 p.m. marks the deadline for voting on student sticker designs.
The midterm elections occur in November 2026.
Political Context
Critics of centralized civic initiatives may argue that such design contests distract from deeper discussions regarding New York State Election Law and actual policy debates. Opposition voices often express concern that focus remains on symbolic participation rather than substantive legislative reforms.
Students, faculty, and staff at participating campuses can vote on the final design to have their voice represented at local polls. The winning design will become the official sticker provided at SUNY polling sites this November.
The takeaway
Engaging in campus-led initiatives is a practical way for students to increase their involvement in the broader electoral process. Participating in these design votes helps normalize voter turnout and encourages a culture of civic activity throughout the semester.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to improve Civic Engagement across New York.
More information
To cast your ballot for the winning design, visit the SUNY sticker design voting portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wbng.
Live Poll
Do you believe university-sponsored civic activities encourage students to participate more in the democratic process?
