I Voted Instagram Sticker Design
Mi’kmaq translation by Robert Bernard
I Voted Sticker Design
Kassidy Bernard
2019
Created as part of a contest through Instagram, NSCAD University and OCAD University. This sticker design was used on Instagram’s in-app sticker tray to for users to have on their stories. As part of the 2019 Federal Election, Instagram wanted their users to engage their followers and promote civic engagement.
This sticker design was based on three goals: influence to vote, relevance to Canadian elections, and appeal to audience. The choice of wording stemmed from my focus on youth voter turnout, especially since Instagram’s demographic has a majority of users under 29 years of age. “I voted... have you?” implies an actionable message that encourages the viewer to join in on voting with friends. It sets a precedent that you should have already voted, inciting fear of missing out (FOMO).
Following the release of the English and French stickers, I also created variations in other Indigenous languages, including my own Mi’kmaq language. Thanks to friends of mine, we were able to translate a total of seven variations.
Mi’kmaq translation by Robert Bernard
Nehiyawewin/Cree (y-dialect) translated by Naomi Bird
Inuktitut translated by Cara Killiktee
Anishinaabemowin translated by Meghan Caveen
Inuktitut Syllabics translated by Cara Killiktee
See examples of the sticker in use by visiting @kassidyraine on Instagram and clicking on the highlight “I Voted.”
Final Design Use on Election Day
English version used on the Instagram app.
French version used on the Instagram app.
The National Youth Survey Report, provided by Elections Canada, shows insights of particular interest under section 7.1 titled Electoral Participation by Subgroups, specifically those with below National average voter turnout (74%). Five youth subgroups from the study were outlined: Aboriginal (42%), unemployed youth (42%), youth with disabilities (55%), ethnocultural youth (61%) and those living in rural localities (<74%).
I aimed for the sticker to appeal to these subgroups specifically based on their motivation barrier of having less interest in Canadian politics; I decided to refrain from Canadian stereotypical symbolism as to not steer away potential voters from initial interaction with the sticker. Since the button will be linked to Elections.ca, I opted to base the design on the Canadian federal election ballot appearance.
The colour choice is based on currently available Instagram stickers, to give it legitimacy amongst users’ familiarity with the appearance of Instagram official buttons. It has a bright pink to purple gradient to incite a sense of urgency, and to ensure a non-partisan design.
Find articles featuring this work here.
First Iterations and Mockups
