From classroom to ballot box, South Dakota kids put stamp on Election 2026
'Civics in the 605: Statewide Sticker Showcase' winners unveiled
The work of four young artists from across South Dakota will be etched into state history.
Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson has announced the winners of the “Civics in the 605: Statewide Sticker Showcase” after dozens of entries were submitted since the initiative was rolled out last fall.
Winning designs — selected through a combination of public voting and a panel of judges — will be used during the 2026 General Election.
“Civics in the 605 is about taking pride in participation and giving students a real connection to their government,” Johnson said in a statement provided to The Dakota Scout.
Submissions were judged in four grade-level categories: K–2, 3–5, 6–8 and 9–12. A panel of judges helped select the winning designs prior to the ceremony.
The winners are:
K–2: Owen Williams from Vermillion Elementary School
Grades 3–5: Guenevere Winterstein from Creekside Elementary in Spearfish
Grades 6–8: Allie Harrelson from Rapid City Christian
Grades 9–12: Ashtyn DeKnikker from McCook Central High School
To honor the student artists and spotlight civic engagement, the Secretary of State’s Office will host an inaugural award ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at 2 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda. Finalist artwork will be displayed, and winners will be recognized during the legislative session, with opportunities for students and their families to tour the Capitol.
“These stickers travel with every voter—they’re small but powerful symbols of civic duty and South Dakota pride. I can’t wait to showcase our students’ creativity at the Capitol,” Johnson said.
This is very cool! Congrats to these talented artists!