CHARLESTON — Secretary of State Kris Warner announced the launch of a statewide contest, inviting all West Virginia eighth-graders to design an “I Voted” sticker that will be distributed in their home county during this year’s election cycle.

“I Voted” stickers have become a popular tradition at polling places, according to officials, who explained they give voters a way to display their participation in the election process. The contest gives students an opportunity to showcase their talent while learning the importance of civic engagement.

“Voting is the cornerstone of our constitutional republic,” Warner said. “By involving students in this contest, we hope to inspire the next generation of voters and encourage them to take pride in participating in elections.”

States host similar sticker contests to create interest and participation in their upcoming election. West Virginia’s primary election is scheduled for May 12. The contest is open to all eighth-grade students enrolled in public, private or home schools in West Virginia. Submissions should be received by Jan. 27. Stickers must include the phrase “I Voted” and reflect themes of civic pride or West Virginia heritage. Public and private school students can submit their designs directly to their designated teacher. Home-school students must have a parent or guardian submit their design to their resident county clerk.

There will be three phases to the judging process: A county contest, a regional semi-final and a statewide final. At the county level, all submissions will be judged by the county clerk’s office and a team of local citizens selected by the county clerk. County winners will move on to the regional semi-finals, which will be judged by a panel of four anonymous individuals selected by the secretary of state. The regional semi-finals will include a panel of judges made up of one person from each of the four county regions outlined in the official rules. Judges will select one design from each region to compete in the statewide final stage of the competition. The statewide winner will be selected by the general public, who will vote for their favorite design on the West Virginia secretary of state’s Facebook page. The four regional winners will be invited by Warner to visit the state capitol to attend the announcement of the winner. The winning design will be featured on stickers distributed at polling places in that student’s home county during the upcoming election. The student artist who wins the statewide competition will be recognized by the secretary of state and receive a special award for their contribution.

For information, including official rules and submission guidelines, call (304) 558-6000 or visit files.constantcontact.com/e949222d701/7eb5c4d9-f3d1-4e0d-a8d6-274ff90d341d.pdf.