The iconic “I Voted” sticker, a symbol of civic engagement and pride, has an intriguing history that dates back to the 1950s. Over the decades, the design and distribution of these stickers have evolved, reflecting a diverse array of artistic expressions and local identities. The responsibility of designing and distributing these stickers lies with the local County Board of Elections, allowing for a broad spectrum of creativity to flourish.
“The decision to distribute stickers is up to the local County Board of Elections. County Boards can choose to design, purchase, and hand them out to voters if they wish.” – Kathleen R. McGrath, Director of Public Information at the New York State Board of Elections
The journey of these badges of democracy took a significant turn in 1987 when a designer crafted a white oval sticker featuring a rippling American flag on the left, complemented by the phrase “I Voted” in a blue serif font on the right. This design became widely recognized, marking a new era for voter participation memorabilia.
In 2018, a fresh design emerged, showcasing an American flag motif with “I Voted” in bold block text lettering. This modern iteration aimed to resonate with a contemporary audience while maintaining the patriotic essence that defines the sticker’s legacy.
Intriguingly, in 2022, creativity took an unexpected twist in Ulster County, New York. A 14-year-old boy entered a contest with a unique sketch featuring a deranged spider robot creature in pink and purple hues, complete with red-bloodshot eyes. This imaginative submission highlighted the diverse interpretations and personal expressions that these stickers can embody.
The phenomenon of “I Voted” stickers can be traced back to Janet Boudreau, a business owner who crafted the concept at her dining room table ahead of the 1988 election. Her innovation sparked a trend that has become an integral part of the voting experience.
“I Voted” – Janet Boudreau, owner of Intab, an election supply company
However, Boudreau’s claim to fame is not without contestation. The Phoenix Association of Realtors also asserts that they were pioneers in distributing these little proofs of civic duty. Despite differing origin stories, the sticker’s popularity has soared.
In Orange County, Florida, a sticker design featured an orange and green color scheme with an outline of the iconic Disney castle, while Los Angeles County distributed their government-designed stickers to voters. These variations underscore the local flavor infused into each sticker’s design.
As technology advanced, some media outlets and publications introduced digital downloadable “stickers” in 2020. This adaptation aimed to replicate the tactile experience of receiving a physical sticker in an increasingly digital world.
Featured image from Freepik
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