Woman in Washington credits simple pen design for national voting sticker

Washington, D.C. Janet Boudreau designed the current version of the “I Voted” sticker in 1987. She created the design after seeing a local county in Washington state hand out a different sticker on Election Day.

Boudreau owned an election supply and voting equipment company at the time. She observed that the county was distributing a black and white sticker featuring an X inside a square. She described that design as lacking inspiration.

She returned home and used a blue and red pen to sketch a new image. The design featured an ellipse with a waving flag. This specific visual element is now recognizable across the United States.

The new sticker began in a few counties before spreading rapidly. By 1992, the distribution had expanded nationwide. Boudreau noted that the adoption rate during that period was intense.

Election Day memorabilia has a history that dates back to the 1920s. Pins, buttons, and ribbons were used during the women’s suffrage movement. The modern sticker has since spawned state-specific images and patches for future voters. Contests have also allowed children to design their own versions.

Boudreau stated that the sticker serves as a badge of honor for citizens. She views voting as a right and a duty for Americans to share their voice. The item acts as a reminder to amplify what people want their world to look like.

She hopes the sticker maintains its meaning as a promise and a call to action in every election cycle. Boudreau encourages people to cast their ballots and then share the experience with others.