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| We Voted - Did you? |
Many patriots vote because they believe it is their duty to uphold democracy by voting for the candidate of their choosing. Some do extensive research into the policies and beliefs of each candidate. Some vote based solely upon the party with which they side. Some people vote at random. The important thing is that you vote, regardless of your method.
In return, voters receive a small red, white, and blue sticker that proclaims "I voted." This sticker serves a dual purpose. It allows you to quietly, yet proudly display your patriotism. It also urges others to vote by reminding them that today is election day. Like children in kindergarten, nobody wants to be left out and everyone likes stickers.
How did the "I Voted" sticker start? The history is murky at best. The Phoenix Board of REALTORS (also called the Phoenix Association of REALTORS) claims to have developed the sticker in 1985, but the article doesn't explain why the stickers were incorporated into the voting process. Additionally electionstickers.com, part of National Campaign Supply, claims "The Original 'I Voted Stickers' Satisfaction Guaranteed Since 1986." However little else is found on the website to back up their claim.
Other articles discuss why the sticker is important and even the cost associated with voting stickers. Even more articles claim that some businesses give away freebies for flashing your "I Voted" sticker, but had to cancel or alter their promotions on account of it possibly being illegal. In recent years, several states have held contests to engage children by asking them to redesign the sticker.
While we cannot be sure of the origin of the "I Voted" sticker, we can be sure of it's impact on our society. Today will be filled with 'sticker selfies,' election day discounts, as well as companies and organizations urging you to cast your vote. Whether you vote because you firmly believe that Candidate A is better than Candidate B, or because you enjoy feeling like a part of something bigger - cast your vote, be heard, and collect your sticker.
What does the "I Voted" sticker mean to you?
From the get-go, the United States (even before it was named that) was independently minded. Freedom has long been a tenet of the U.S. Included is the freedom to choose. The freedom to choose whether to vote or not is also an important freedom and sometimes speaks just as strongly as the "x" in the box.
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