Janet Boudreau created the 'I Voted' sticker in 1987

Janet Boudreau designed the "I Voted" sticker in 1987 after watching a Washington state county distribute a less appealing version on Election Day. The simple blue and red design has since become a national standard for voters.

Boudreau owned an election supply and voting equipment company at the time. She observed a local county handing out a black and white sticker featuring an X inside a square. She described that initial design as uninspiring, which prompted her to create a new option.

Boudreau returned home and used a blue and red pen to sketch an ellipse containing a waving flag. This specific visual combination defined the sticker that would eventually be used by millions of Americans. She stated that voting is the right and duty of citizens to share their voice.

The new design began in a few counties before spreading across the country. By 1992, Boudreau noted that adoption of the sticker had become widespread. She recalled the rapid growth with the words, "By 1992, wow, it was nuts!"

Election Day memorabilia has existed for decades, including pins, buttons, and ribbons used during the women's suffrage movement in the 1920s. The modern "I Voted" sticker has since spawned various versions, including state-specific images and patches for future voters. Contests have also invited children to design their own variations.

Boudreau said the primary goal of the sticker is to inspire participation. She expressed satisfaction that the item has become a badge of honor for those who cast ballots. The sticker serves as a visible promise and a call to action during every election cycle.

Boudreau continues to support the tradition, encouraging others to participate and then spread the word. Her original 1987 design remains the dominant visual for voter recognition in the United States today.