The Humble Origins of the ‘I Voted’ Sticker
The "I Voted" sticker, a common symbol of civic participation, originated with Janet Boudreau, who designed it in Washington state in 1987. Her creation, intended to be more inspiring than existing election day handouts, gradually spread across the country, evolving…
Phoenix, AZ, October 31, 2026 — The familiar “I Voted” sticker, a small but potent symbol of civic engagement seen on countless lapels across the nation, has a specific origin story rooted in Washington state. The design is credited to Janet Boudreau, who created the iconic sticker in 1987.
Boudreau’s intention behind designing the sticker was to offer something more inspirational than the election day handouts that were common at the time. Her creation aimed to provide a more engaging and celebratory way for citizens to mark their participation in the democratic process.
Following its inception in Washington state, Boudreau’s “I Voted” sticker design began a gradual dissemination across the United States. Over time, it evolved from a local initiative into a widely recognized emblem.
The sticker has since become a significant cultural touchstone, widely adopted as a badge of honor. Its widespread presence serves as a visible encouragement for other Americans to exercise their right to vote in elections.
Story summarized from the original created by Caitrin Assaf, Max Cotton on www.azfamily.com, see more information here.
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