The Origin Story Behind The Iconic ‘I Voted’ Sticker
Janet Boudreau, who created the "I Voted" sticker, shared the origin story of the iconic election day symbol. Initially designing it in Washington state in 1987 after being unimpressed with existing designs, her sticker evolved and spread nationwide, becoming a…
Charlotte, NC, October 31, 2026 — The familiar “I Voted” sticker, a common sight on Election Day across the United States, has a specific origin story thanks to Janet Boudreau. Boudreau is credited with designing the sticker in 1987 while residing in Washington state.
Her motivation for creating the design stemmed from a personal dissatisfaction with the election day symbols available at the time. Boudreau reportedly found existing designs to be unimpressive, prompting her to develop an alternative.
The sticker, which she created, began to evolve and subsequently spread beyond its initial state. Over time, it gained national recognition and adoption, becoming a widely recognized symbol.
The “I Voted” sticker has come to be viewed as a significant emblem for voters. It is often described as a “badge of honor,” serving to acknowledge and celebrate the act of casting a ballot. This widespread recognition is understood to play a role in encouraging civic participation by providing a visible affirmation for those who have voted.
Further details regarding the specific evolution of the sticker’s design or the exact timeline of its nationwide spread were not provided in the available information. The contractor’s name was not provided. The fine amount was not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Caitrin Assaf, Max Cotton on www.wbtv.com, see more information here.
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