2026 "I Voted" Sticker Contest

The Maguire Ethics Center is inviting SMU students to design an original “I Voted” sticker that celebrates voting and civic participation across the Hilltop.

The winning design will be distributed at SMU on Election Day, November 3. Your design could become part of the Election Day experience for voters across the SMU community!

The winning designer will also receive a $300 prize.

Submitted designs will be shared with the SMU community, where students, faculty, and staff will help choose the winning sticker through an online vote.

 

  • Each student may submit one original design.
  • Designs must include the words “I Voted.”
  • Designs should reflect SMU spirit and civic participation while remaining nonpartisan.
  • Designs may not endorse or oppose any political candidate, position, political party, campaign, or ballot measure.
  • All artwork must be the student’s own original work.
  • AI-generated or AI-assisted artwork is not permitted. Designs created in whole or in part using generative AI tools will not be eligible for consideration.
  • Designs may not include copyrighted images, characters, artwork, or other materials the student does not have permission to use.
  • The winning design may be adjusted slightly for printing, sizing, or production purposes.
  • By submitting a design, entrants grant SMU and the Maguire Ethics Center permission to reproduce, distribute, and promote the selected design in connection with Election Day and civic engagement programming.
  • Designs may incorporate approved SMU colors, logos, the Mustang icon, or other University brand elements. Any submission using official SMU branding will be subject to review for compliance with SMU brand standards, and minor modifications may be required before the winning design is produced.

A panel of judges will review each submission based on:

  • Creativity and Originality
    • Bring a fresh and memorable idea to the traditional “I Voted” sticker.
  • SMU Spirit
    • Create a design that feels at home on the Hilltop and reflects the Mustang community.
  • Visual Appeal
    • Design something clear, engaging, and recognizable at sticker size.
 

  • Designs must fit within a 2.5-inch by 2.5-inch area.
  • Designs may be circular, square, rectangular, or another shape suitable for printing as a sticker.
  • Important text and design elements should remain inside the edge of the design to allow for trimming during production.
  • Designs should remain clear and legible when printed at actual sticker size.
  • Files should be submitted as a PDF file.
  • PDF files should be submitted at the highest available resolution. 
  • Entries must be submitted through the contest Qualtrics form by October 9.