ContestsEvents

‘I Voted’ Sticker: 5 Fun Facts About Civic Duty’s Most Iconic Symbol

"I Voted" stickers

Besides having a say in your local, state and federal government representatives, one of the most popular aspects of going to vote is receiving an "I Voted" sticker.

If you're reading this, there's a good chance you've taken a selfie proudly showing off proof you voted. (This author is certainly guilty of doing so on multiple occasions.) But you should be proud to show off your sticker! Not only are you exercising your civic duty, but you're also in possession of a true American icon.

Of course, for the 2024 election, the classic "I Voted" sticker has seen more designs join the fray. However, few have garnered as much attention as one particular design in Michigan. This year, the Wolverine State held a contest for residents to submit a new "I Voted" sticker design that will be printed and handed out at polling stations across the state. Among the winners was a design showing a werewolf ripping off a shirt in front of an American flag, which has since received a ton of attention nationwide.

John Oliver even talked about the infamous sticker on Last Week Tonight. He said of the design, "The founding fathers should frankly be ashamed that they didn't ensure voting came with complimentary werewolf swag. I cannot believe it took nearly 250 years for a young Michigan genius to solve that obvious flaw in our democracy."

Oliver's praise didn't just stop there. When the design was first released, the host jokingly said, "Yes! Everything about that is perfect. The line work, the kinetic energy of the shirt being ripped off, the wolf's head thrown back in patriotic ecstasy at the concept of democracy. I know this is not the point, but I would commit voter fraud to get multiples of that sticker."

That description eventually led to Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson to respond to Oliver saying, "No need to 'commit voter fraud,' John and @LastWeekTonight! We'll send you some stickers."

While the Michigan werewolf design is incredibly fun, let us not forget about the original design where this all started. Here are five fun facts about the classic "I Voted" sticker.

They first gained popularity in the 1980s, but...

MT. GILEAD, NC - MAY 17: A poll worker holds a sticker that reads, I Voted on May 17, 2022 in Mt. Gilead, North Carolina. North Carolina is one of several states holding midterm primary elections. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images) Sean Rayford/Getty Images

Who designed the classic oval sticker?

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 03: "I voted" stickers are made available to voters at Givens Recreation Center on November 3, 2020 in Austin, Texas. After a record-breaking early voting turnout, Americans head to the polls on the last day to cast their vote for incumbent U.S. President Donald Trump or Democratic nominee Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. (Photo by Montinique Monroe/Getty Images) Montinique Monroe/Getty Images

Chicago's Version of the "I Voted" sticker

A bracelet that says I VOTED! Antwon McMullen/iStock/Getty Images Plus

How much do they cost to produce?

ROYAL OAK, MI - FEBRUARY 28: John Vandermark wears his " I Voted" sticker after voting on primary day as Michigan heads to the polls at Royal Oak Farmers Market on February 28, 2012 in Royal Oak, Michigan. Voters head to the polls as the Republican party continues the process of deciding who will be their general election candidate against President Barack Obama. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Joe Raedle/Getty Images

They can sometimes get you free stuff (even though it might be illegal)

WILSON, NC - OCTOBER 18: A voter displays their "I Voted" sticker on their shirt after voting on the first day of Early Voting on October 18, 2012 in Wilson, North Carolina. Early Voting is offered at select location from now through November 3 in North Carolina. (Photo by Sara D. Davis/Getty Images) Sara D. Davis/Getty Images
Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights