To encourage participation in the democratic process, Cass County Clerk/Register Monica McMichael’s office is hosting a design contest to choose the words that will be used on the county’s “I Voted” sticker for Election Day.

The winning design will be seen by thousands of voters when they head to the polls on Election Day. This year’s theme is “Celebrating democracy and civic engagement.”

Cass County high school students are invited to submit their designs that incorporate the words “I Voted.” In addition to being displayed at polling places on Election Day, the design will be recognized on the Cass County Clerk/Register’s website and social media.

“Our records show that young voters have consistently had lower levels of participation in elections compared to older age groups in Cass County,” McMichael said. “My hope is that allowing youth to participate in some way will give them a sense of belonging and responsibility toward our political system, leading to them being comfortable and confident to vote in the future.”

Participants may submit images on paper to be scanned in or digital images from a computer to their high school art teacher, or directly to the Cass County Clerk/Register’s Office at 120 N. Broadway, Cassopolis. Designs can also be emailed to [email protected]. The deadline to submit a design is Friday, May 24.