The History and Evolving Tradition of the 'I Voted' Sticker

The 'I Voted' sticker has transformed over the decades into a familiar emblem of democratic participation and civic pride across the United States. Featuring straightforward text with no party affiliation, the sticker serves as an unmistakable badge that unites voters across polling districts on Election Day.

The tradition originated in the 1980s when local businesses began circulating voting stickers alongside discounts for customers who wore them. Historical accounts note an early mention in a 1982 Miami Herald article describing small businesses in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, utilizing the badges.

One of the most recognizable designs was created in 1987 by Janet Boudreau, who sketched a hand-drawn rippling flag at her dining room table after becoming president and owner of Intab, an election supply business. Boudreau recalled that earlier designs, such as a black-and-white option featuring checkmarks and an X, felt uninspiring. Her patriotic red, white, and blue version, produced in both English and Spanish, quickly scaled, with her company distributing more than 100 million stickers to nearly all 50 states by the year 2000.

In recent years, the tradition has expanded through creative state-level initiatives. For the 2026 general election, the Michigan Department of State held its second statewide design contest, selecting nine winning creations across elementary, middle school, high school, and general entry categories for clerks to order and distribute.

Similarly, in Alaska, long lines for early voting were rewarded with popular new stickers designed by Anchorage artist Amanda Rose Warren. Her original paintings feature regional animals—including a moose, bear, fox, whale, and musk ox—set under the aurora borealis and accompanied by U.S. and Alaskan flags.

Warren explained that her artistic choice aimed to foster unity. "I tried to create the same aurora over each of the animals to signify we are all under one sky here in Alaska," she said, adding that "It can be a very dividing day, but my hope was to kind of come and bring everybody together."

Beyond civic pride, displaying an 'I Voted' sticker or showing a voting stub often unlocks special promotions at restaurants nationwide. Businesses such as Krispy Kreme and Eat’n Park offer complimentary treats like donuts or coffee to voters, adding an extra incentive to participate in the democratic process.