Middle School Student Wins “I Voted” Sticker Contest with Unique Werewolf-Themed Design
## Michigan’s Middle Schooler Wins Hearts with Viral Werewolf “I Voted” Sticker Design
In a display of creativity and humor, 12-year-old Jane Hynous from Michigan has captured national attention with her striking werewolf-themed “I Voted” sticker for Michigan’s first-ever election sticker design contest. Hynous’ design, which features a muscular werewolf ripping its shirt in classic comic book fashion against a backdrop of the United States flag, successfully stood out among hundreds of entries to become one of nine winning designs in the contest. The contest, organized by Michigan’s Secretary of State and announced back in May, attracted an overwhelming 480 submissions. The winning stickers will be distributed at polling stations across the state for the upcoming November elections.
Hynous’ werewolf design drew over 20,000 votes from the public, surpassing other entries by at least 2,000 votes. Inspired by a popular meme known as the “Wolf Ripping Shirt,” the middle schooler created the piece while watching the movie *National Treasure* during class. “I wanted my design to be funny and not so serious,” she told *The Washington Post*, perhaps referencing not only the high-stakes world of politics but the frequently serious portrayal of voting-related material. The design brings an air of levity to a process that’s as important as it is often presented in an overly formal manner, catching the attention of voters young and old.
### Michigan’s Contest and the Winners’ Recognition
Michigan’s initiative marks the state’s first organized campaign to allow residents a say in the design of the iconic “I Voted” stickers – a growing trend across states to have creative and relatable stickers reward citizens for engaging in the democratic process. The contest was split into three categories: elementary and middle school, high school, and general entry, with winning designs being reproduced and distributed to polling locations across the state.
“We were overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and creativity from the people of Michigan,” said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson at the announcement of the winners on September 4, 2024. “I encourage every eligible voter to make a plan now to have your voice heard — and feel proud to wear a sticker designed by a fellow Michigander.” Benson’s words punctuated a season of growing interest in civic engagement efforts parallel to fostering creativity among younger demographics in particular.
### A New Engagement Tool: Creativity Meets Civic Duty
The “I Voted” sticker has long been a tool for encouraging voter turnout, but its evolution from a simple, iconic logo to a more customizable and artistic expression has added dynamism to elections. The hand-drawn, often whimsical designs that younger generations are bringing to the table inject new life into the tradition, aiming to make civic involvement more fun and appealing.
This sticker contest’s approach aligns with a broader trend of transforming the act of voting into something that feels more engaging, especially to young voters and children who will one day participate as full voters. The initiative fostered creativity by encouraging kids, teenagers, and adults alike to infuse their unique artistic expression into a process often seen as mundane or exclusively reserved for adults. Participation sends an underlying message to students like Hynous: Your voice, and your creativity, matters.
Other winning entries include artwork by students such as Gabby Warner from Rockford and Olivia Smiertka from Holly, whose designs, along with Hynous’, show that even in the youngest segments of the population, enthusiasm for the democratic process is soaring. Winning designs like Gabby’s elementary-themed submission brimmed with state pride, while Olivia’s high school art used bold imagination showcased in contouring layers and deep symbolisms.
### The Werewolf Design That Stole the Spotlight
Hynous’ sticker transcended the traditional red, white, and blue aesthetic of election paraphernalia by instead delivering a bold, humorous take on civic duty. The werewolf motif, leaned heavily into Internet meme culture, standing out for its uniqueness in its humorous twist on classic representations of patriotism. It is no surprise that the meme-inspired design went viral, considering that memes are one of the most effective forms of communication among younger audiences in today’s digital landscape.
The key appeal here isn’t just humor. The young artist tapped into the power of visual culture and memes, something that has proven to influence modern political engagement in numerous ways, from viral slogans and campaign designs to grassroots meme cultures used as tools for advocacy. Hynous’ werewolf tearing off its shirt may have been born during a moment of boredom in class, but it now carries a larger message — that voters can have fun while fulfilling one of their most crucial responsibilities.
### Political Art: A Sign of Inclusivity
At the heart of Michigan’s sticker design contest is the idea of inclusion. Secretary Benson’s office deliberately sought a wide range of entries not only from established artists, but also from children and people statewide. Competitions like these ensure inclusivity in art for common social causes,