This “Future Voter” visited the polls in New Orleans in the 2016 presidential election. Vote early!
As we posted on Monday, early voting has begun in Harris County. It continues through October 30, allowing all registered voters plenty of time to make their voices heard!
As we conclude one full week of record activity at the polls, social media abounds with photos of proud friends, family, and famous folks who have already cast their ballots in the 2020 elections. No Instagram pic of a satisfied voter is complete without an “I Voted” sticker and a few words to rally all followers. Tack on an #ivoted hashtag, and the 21st century voting ritual is complete!
The Texas “I Voted” sticker is simple and no-frills — not big, bold, or bombastic as one might expect from the typically titanic Lone Star State. (Alaska, by contrast, which is geographically larger than Texas — and proud of it!— just revealed its 13 new “I Voted” stickers for 2020, which celebrate women and highlight native languages. Even Alaskans who vote from home can download digital stickers to proclaim their voting pride.) Instead, for a state as unique as Texas, our voting stickers are rather plain. However, the clean, classic design of our ballot badges still conveys the outsize honor we feel in being part of the democratic process. No one struts, swaggers, and swells with pride like a Texan!
Voters in other parts of the nation celebrate their visits to the polls in much more colorful and creative ways. Many of the stickers reflect the flavor, culture, and people of the regions they represent, highlighting features that make each state, city, county, or borough unique. Samples of our favorites are shown here, and links to even more stand-out stickers can been seen in the list below. Which is your favorite?
From Left to Right: New York City, Nashville, Louisiana
The ‘I Voted’ Stickers You’re Wearing — From All 50 States (2018) — CNN
Most Creative and Original ‘I Voted’ Stickers — U.S. Election Assistance Commission
Download your Digital ‘I Voted’ Sticker — When We All Vote
Why the ‘I Voted’ Sticker Matters (2012) — The Atlantic
Houston Restaurants Offer Specials, Freebies to Folks Who Vote — Houstonia
An ‘I Voted’ Sticker Can Get You Free Stuff, But It Shouldn’t (2016) — The New York Times