© Angela Wilhelm/Citizen Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
(New York, NY) – Millions of people are going to be rocking the hottest election-related accessory today, an “I voted” sticker. While it has become a staple for people hitting the polls, the origin of the sticker is not entirely known. The first mention of the stickers can be found in a Miami Herald article from 1950.
The stickers have now taken on a life and legend of their own, with some local municipalities and states running contests allowing people to submit their own special designs. Up in Ulster County, a 14 year old designed the winning sticker in 2022 that went viral for its wacky style. It portrayed a spider-like creature with red eyes and the “I Voted” slogan that will be seen worn by many people today.
Technically, federal law prohibits any incentives to get people to vote – however the stickers have become a symbol for people to motivate others to perform their civic duty. The stickers are also ultimately paid for by the taxpayers, with the stickers being factored into the cost of operations for polling stations across the country.
