I VOTED STICKER shutterstock

An example of the ubiquitous "I Voted" sticker handed out at polling places.

The provenance of the "I Voted" sticker, ubiquitous on the chests of voters everywhere on Election Day, isn't fully clear.

Janet Boudreau created a familiar one 38 years ago in Seattle and by 2000 her company was selling 100 million in each election year, according to an AARP article. However, the article notes, there was evidence of "I Voted" stickers before Boudreau's.

Nevertheless, Camden County believes it's time to breathe some new life into the iconic red, white and blue insignia.

The county clerk's office and Board of Elections this week invited county students to "showcase their creativity and civic pride" by redesigning the sticker as part of a contest for students in grades 5 through 8 and those in grades 9 through 12. The younger students will design "I Voted" stickers and the older students will come up with "I Voted by Mail" sticker ideas.

"Not only will this contest give Camden County students the chance to see their artwork worn by thousands of Camden County residents, but it is my hope that it will get our young people excited about voting and civic engagement," County Clerk Pamela Lampitt said in a statement announcing the contest.

Winners will see their graphics gracing the county's official "I Voted" and "I Voted by Mail" stickers used in upcoming elections in Camden County.

But don't even think about using AI to assist, warns the county. Or even a computer, according to the rules.

The "design must be original, student-created, and hand-drawn using physical media (pens, pencils, crayons, markers, paint, pastels, etc.) and may not be computer- or AI-generated," the rules state.

Submissions may come from students who attend a public, private or charter school in Camden County or who participate in an equivalent homeschool program.

"Getting children excited to take part in the election process is fundamental in building their enthusiasm as future voters," Donna Robinson Taylor, chair of the Camden County Board of Elections, said in a statement.

Information on the contest and how to enter

Submit the following:

  • Completed entry and consent form signed by a parent or guardian
  • An original, hand-drawn sticker design created by the student
  • A typed paragraph explaining why voting is important to them and our community.

 Design guidelines:

  • Entries must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 1
  • Design must include the words "I Voted" or "I Voted by Mail", depending on the student's age group. 
  • Artwork must contain elements relating to Camden County or New Jersey and promote nonpartisan civic pride
  • Design must be original, student-created, and hand-drawn using physical media (pens, pencils, crayons, markers, paint, pastels, etc.) and may not be computer- or AI-generated
  • Designs may not include copyrighted material, trademarks, or identifiable individuals without permission

Students must submit their completed entry form, original artwork and typed paragraph using one of the following methods:

The county clerk will notify the winners via email and phone using the contact information listed on the contest entry form. If a winner cannot be verified by the office, the runner-up design will become a potential winner, subject to verification.

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