A fourth-grade student from Oroville, Judd Hallen, has captured first place in the Butte County “I Voted” sticker contest. The announcement was made during a visit to the Butte County Hall of Records on November 26, 2025, where Judd and his mother initially thought they were only picking up passport applications.
Upon arrival, Judd was surprised by Butte County Clerk-Recorder Keaton Denlay, who greeted him by name. “I didn’t know why he said my name,” Judd recalled. When he learned about his victory, his excitement was palpable. “I was really excited,” he said.
Creative Artwork Chosen Among 164 Submissions
The contest, held by the Butte County Clerk-Recorder’s office, received a total of 164 entries from students ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade. Judd emerged as the youngest finalist among six contenders, with other finalists in seventh, eighth, and twelfth grades.
Judd’s winning design features a bear clasping the words “I voted,” showcased in the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue. He drew inspiration from the California state flag, making his artwork a fitting representation of state pride.
His design will be featured on stickers distributed during the upcoming 2026-27 election cycle, meaning tens of thousands of voters in Butte County will wear his creation after casting their ballots. Judd expressed his enthusiasm about the impact of his design: “I think that’ll be awesome.”
Encouraging Civic Engagement Among Youth
The Butte County “I Voted” sticker contest aims to engage young people in the democratic process and foster a sense of civic responsibility. By allowing students to express their creativity, the contest not only highlights their artistic talents but also encourages them to participate in elections.
With Judd’s win, the initiative showcases the importance of youth involvement in democracy, potentially inspiring other students to engage in future contests and civic activities. As the election season approaches, Judd’s artwork will serve as a reminder of the impact that even the youngest voices can have in shaping their communities.
