Innovative ‘I Voted’ Stickers Expand Beyond Traditional Flag Motifs

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The eye-catching designs of this year’s “I Voted” stickers are capturing significant attention, from the whimsical to the slightly peculiar—ever seen an angry werewolf? While the front designs are lively, have you considered the importance of the back of these cherished Election Day mementos?

Janet Boudreau, a veteran sticker designer, emphasized the necessity of using garment-safe adhesive when creating stickers that will be applied to fabric. “Using the right adhesive is crucial,” she said. “Using non-garment safe adhesives can ruin materials such as leather, silk, and fine wool.” Boudreau is well-known for designing a classic sticker featuring a simple ellipse adorned with a rippling red, white, and blue American flag—a design that has become a staple at polling places for decades.

Despite the rise of competition since she sold her company, Boudreau is thrilled to see new artistic interpretations of voting stickers emerging across the nation, especially those crafted by children. “I wholeheartedly support this trend,” she shared. “It’s wonderful to see young individuals engaging with the electoral process and recognizing the significance of their vote.”

This enthusiasm for creativity among youth is exemplified by the reaction to last year’s New York county sticker, which showcased a wildly imaginative crab-like creature created by a 14-year-old boy, captivating audiences online. This year, one particularly popular design in Michigan features a werewolf dramatically shredding its shirt against the backdrop of an American flag, crafted by a talented 12-year-old artist who chose to remain anonymous.

In Milton, New Hampshire, 10-year-old Grace experienced what it felt like to be in the spotlight after her sticker, depicting the state’s iconic Old Man of the Mountain rock formation, was selected in a state-wide competition open to fourth graders, which attracted over 1,000 submissions. Grace shared, “I definitely felt a buzz in the air. People were so much more excited to vote, knowing they would receive a cool sticker that I designed. It felt great to have an impact on their voting experience.” Along with her recognition, she got to enjoy a pizza party at the Statehouse and has become pen pals with another winner.

Meanwhile, 11-year-old Rilynn decided to present three versions of her sticker design to her family for voting. Her winning sticker features a majestic moose standing atop a ledge overlooking the vibrant fall foliage and the state’s tallest mountain. “It was amazing to see my stickers being used earlier this year,” Rilynn recalled. “There was a huge stack at the polls, and people were specifically choosing my design. By the time my dad arrived, he wasn’t able to grab one!”

Not all innovative stickers come from young hands. In Denver, incarcerated individuals showcased their creativity by designing two unique stickers. One features the Colorado flag alongside a brick building, sun, and the purple mountains that form the “D” in “voted.” This initiative aims to promote civic engagement and instill a sense of community involvement. In King County, Washington, a graphic designer also created a sticker highlighting the Seattle cityscape paired with picturesque countryside. Additionally, an adult and college student contest in San Francisco was won by illustrator Hollis Callas, whose design incorporates wildlife, floral elements, and the Golden Gate Bridge along with “I voted” in several languages.

Allison Tichenor, who recently picked up a sticker when voting, expressed her appreciation for these beautiful designs, stating, “It’s lovely, just like the city.” Other voters echoed her sentiment, wearing their stickers proudly to encourage others to participate in the electoral process. Deanna Long from Raleigh, North Carolina, noted that the colorful, imaginative designs have the potential to motivate onlookers, saying, “You never know who might be inspired to cast their vote because of these stickers.” She carried a sticker featuring a child riding a vibrant purple-maned unicorn to a Kamala Harris rally, emphasizing the importance of representation for younger generations who depend on others to advocate for their needs.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission launched a national sticker contest in 2019 to honor innovative election practices, and the latest winners, including the Santa Fe County Clerk’s Office in New Mexico, have focused on themes such as “Future Voter” and “First-Time Voter” stickers. Benjamin Hovland, chairman of the nonpartisan federal commission, remarked, “Conducting elections is challenging. These ‘I Voted’ sticker contests not only engage the community but also add an element of creativity and enjoyment.”

Create isn’t limited to traditional mediums; Jason Wickersty used a slice of pork roll—beloved in New Jersey—to fashion his own quirky version of a sticker. He shared, “As a New Jersey resident, I wanted to show my pride. Since there were no official ‘I Voted’ pork roll stickers, I used an x-acto knife on a slice to craft my own version.”

Boudreau, once dubbed the “veritable Betsy Ross” of “I Voted” stickers, may not have been the first to create them, but she certainly became a dominant force in the market. Her sketches, begun in her kitchen over 30 years ago, resulted in more than 100 million stickers sold every two years by 2000, giving voters an enjoyable keepsake. “These stickers just make people happy,” she reflected. “They provide a joyful experience for voters and create connections within the community.”

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Associated Press journalists Haven Daley (San Francisco), Hallie Golden (Seattle), Isabella Volmert (Lansing, Michigan), and Susan Haigh (Hartford, Connecticut) contributed to this report.