It used to be a one day thing. Normally on election Tuesdays you’ll see the white oval “I voted” sticker proudly somewhat falling off your coworker’s sweater. For one day and one day only. Before the election nothing, after the election a small uproar and then a general consensus to move on. Now, we are using fashion to make statements about racial injustice and political affairs, alike. Though most of us won’t physically be seeing anyone when voting this year, the message has never been stronger. Vote.
After the 2016 Presidential Election where 46.9% of the eligible population elected to not vote (that’s 108,600,056 people), Americans have decided to use fashion, to use their bodies as a walking billboard for democracy. An “All voices should be accounted for” message is being screened, woven, and embroidered on essentially any wearable garment: t-shirts, bags, pins, headbands, necklaces, masks, and more. The motion to merely cast a ballot is a lot more empowering, a lot more American than staking your lawn, and flying flags for specific candidates. It promotes a sense of togetherness that is so important for the mental health of the many individuals who quarantined alone for several months. 28% of our country’s population lives by themselves. We need the leader that the people want. And that’s what wearing one of these voter shirts is about. Not debating to the death.
Here are some of my favorite ways to tell people to vote without opening my mask-covered mouth. All of the images below were not taken by me. I take zero credit and each image is linked back to its original site. Happy Shopping!
For some reason I like any shirt with little people on it. This one from Madewell is especially special for men and women alike.
How cute are these postcards? They come in a set of 10 and I kind of want to frame them as a wall collage instead of mailing away.
Best cashmere of the season. The 7th grader in me is geekin' about the potential return of peace signs.
With the VO earring on one ear and the TE earring on the other, this stud pack will frame your face with patriotic pride.
Comfort Colors with a facelift. I want all of these but, I've been vibing with olive lately.
I am speechless. What could be cooler than text up the calf? Kudos to Stuart Weitzman and vogue.com for sharing this beauty.
A vintage pin is all you really need to get the message across. Put it on your purse or jacket so you always have it displayed.
Stars and stripes are the perfect add on to voter merch. Choose from 30 colors.
Removable purse straps are the easiest way to spice up your bag (or camera bag.)
This is the back of a shirt with manners. Everyone knows the best tees have a small graphic on the front and a larger version on the back. Spread awareness as you come and go!
One of my interviewees in my article Cultural Connection, expressed that he likes to use fashion, specifically graphic t’s to urge others to “Buy Black.” The fashion industry has a huge influence on how we make decisions, I am interested in the numbers on how voter merch affected the election. Speak up!
Register to Vote: Registering to vote has never been simpler but, it does vary state to state so check out this link! According to Harper’s Baazar you can even register to vote at Sak’s Fifth Avenue! This sounds much more enjoyable than the DMV. https://www.usa.gov/register-to-vote
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