The Town of Cobourg is inviting local youth to engage in the 2026 Municipal Election process through two creative contests: an “I Voted” sticker design contest and a “My Ideal Town” essay contest.
The Town of Cobourg holds municipal elections every four years to elect the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillors, and School Board Trustees. While only Cobourg residents who are 18 years of age or older may vote, the sticker and essay contests encourage youth to get involved and learn about the democratic process.
“I Voted” Sticker Contest Youth are invited to design an “I Voted” sticker design that will be used on the Town’s election website and made available at Voter Help Centres following Kiosk Voting.
Entries and a winner will be recognized in the following age categories: junior kindergarten to Grade 6, Grades 7 to 8, and Grades 9 to 12.
To enter, participants must complete the Contest Submission Form and download the artwork template at www.CobourgVotes.ca/youth. The deadline for sticker submissions is July 31, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to review the submission guidelines and contest terms and conditions before submitting their artwork.
All submissions will be featured in an exhibition at the Art Gallery of Northumberland, with winning entries displayed prominently. This will give the community an opportunity to celebrate youth creativity and civic engagement.
Winning sticker designs will be printed and shared with voters, who will be encouraged to wear their sticker and post a photo on social media.
“My Ideal Town” Essay Contest The Town is also encouraging youth to share their ideas for the future through the “My Ideal Town” essay contest.
This contest invites students 17 years old and younger to submit a creative 350-word essay describing their vision for an ideal town. Youth are encouraged to imagine what programs, services, and community features they would like to see in the future.
Essay contest submissions are due by October 26, 2026, at 8 p.m., and must include:
· Full name of the youth submitting the essay.
· Age and/or grade.
· Parent or guardian’s name.
· Parent or guardian’s email address or phone number.
Essays may be submitted by email to cobourgvotes@cobourg.ca or by mail to the Office of the Municipal Clerk, 55 King Street West, Cobourg, ON, K9A 2M2.
After the submission deadline, Town staff will compile all entries and present them to Cobourg’s newly elected Council for the 2026–2030 term. One youth will be selected to read their essay at the inaugural meeting of Council and share their vision for an ideal town with Council and the community. All youth who submit an essay will be invited to attend the inaugural Council meeting, meet Council, and stay for the reception that follows.
For any questions regarding the contests, please contact the Clerks department at 905-372-4301 ext. 9520 or email cobourgvotes@cobourg.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
