New Bedford Students Design Unique ‘I Voted’ Stickers for Upcoming Election

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — When New Bedford voters cast their ballot in the upcoming election, the customary “I Voted” sticker they receive at the end of the process will now have a distinctive Whaling City flavor.

Six different designs created by New Bedford students will replace the traditional “I Voted” stickers, offering up a deeper connection between the voter and the city.

The move is part of the New Bedford Election Commission’s efforts to promote civic engagement; a contest was held across all city schools “seeking updated, modern designs for the iconic sticker,” according to a City of New Bedford release.

More than 100 students submitted artwork to the contest, and six winners were chosen to be made into stickers for the November 5 election.

There will be a different sticker for each of New Bedford’s six wards.

The winners are Amber Rosonina at New Bedford High School, Ayla-Lynn Pimental at Global Learning Charter School, Christina Bates at Roosevelt Middle School, Kelvin Miranda DePina at Gomes Elementary School and Yeral Guerra-Rivas and Ella Levesque, both at St. Teresa of Calcutta School.

Early voting has already begun in New Bedford and will continue through November 1. Ballots can be cast in-person between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the third floor of the New Bedford Public Library’s downtown branch.

The City Elections Office has already begun sending out mail-in ballots to those who have requested them. Requests for mail-in ballots can still be sent in by October 29. You can submit a request on the Secretary of State’s website.

You can also check your voter status, register to vote, update your address or change political party enrollment on the Secretary’s site before October 26 at 5 p.m.

For those who plan to vote in-person on Tuesday, November 5, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Anyone with questions can contact the City Elections Office at (508) 979-1420.