Woman credits 1987 moment for iconic sticker

Burlington residents who peel an "I Voted" sticker from their hands after casting a ballot are using a design that began with a specific act of frustration by Janet Boudreau. The sticker, now a standard fixture in American election culture, originated from a business owner’s desire to improve a simple, uninspiring item handed out by local officials.

In 1987, Boudreau owned an election supply and voting equipment company. She observed a county in Washington state distributing a black and white sticker featuring an X in a square on Election Day. Boudreau said the design lacked visual appeal, noting, "And I thought, this is not inspiring." She returned home and used a blue and red pen to sketch an ellipse containing a waving flag.

The new design moved quickly from local testing to national distribution. Boudreau said the sticker started in a few counties before spreading across the country. By 1992, the adoption rate had accelerated dramatically. She described the growth with enthusiasm, stating, "By 1992, wow, it was nuts!" The sticker became a standard item in polling places across the United States.

The tradition of Election Day memorabilia predates Boudreau’s specific design. Pins, buttons, and ribbons have been used for decades, including items from the women’s suffrage movement in the 1920s. Since the 1990s, the "I Voted" concept has expanded to include state-specific images and patches for future voters. Contests have also invited children to create their own versions of the sticker.

Boudreau views the sticker as a tool to encourage civic participation. She has described voting as the right and duty of American citizens to share their voice. The sticker serves as a visual reminder of that duty. Boudreau said the item has evolved into a symbol of civic pride. She noted, "What gets me the most about this is that it’s become this badge of honor."

The design has remained largely consistent since its introduction. The blue and red color scheme and the flag motif distinguish it from earlier, simpler designs. Boudreau hopes the sticker continues to function as a promise and a call to action for every election cycle. She encourages citizens to cast their ballots and share the experience with others. Her advice is direct: "So get out and vote and then spread the word."