Student urges support for bill allowing local "I voted" sticker design contests

A student testified Tuesday that allowing local "I voted" sticker design contests could engage young people and add celebratory local flair to Minnesota elections.

"This bill, senate file 4734, would allow the state I voted sticker to be changed at the state, county, municipal, or school district level for potential youth design competitions," Metria Reeder, a senior at Saint Anthony Village High School, told the Senate Elections Committee. Reeder said local contests can connect art and civic life and may encourage turnout in local races.

Reeder described the measure as narrowly tailored: designs may include images but must include only the words "I voted" and may not advocate for or against any political party, candidate, ballot question or public policy issue. She said the change could be implemented at local discretion so traditional statewide stickers could remain for major elections.

"Bringing a positive connotation to voting is absolutely crucial," Reeder said, urging support for the bill.

Committee members praised the student testimony but asked practical and policy questions. Senator Moran expressed concern that color and imagery can carry partisan connotations and cautioned against unintended ideological signals: "The only thing I worry about is ... political ideology embedded in everything." That point went unresolved in the hearing record.

The chair said the bill would be laid over for possible inclusion in an omnibus package to allow members time to review and for staff to address implementation details. No final vote on the proposal was taken at the March 24 hearing.