There’s no in-person voting option in my state. While I appreciate the ease of voting early by mail, I’ve also long regretted one of the practical implications of our system: no “I Voted” sticker to proudly wear on Election Day! This year, it finally occurred to me that a woolly alternative was the answer, and I was surprised that nothing close to what I had in mind was already available on Ravelry.

It feels like a stretch to claim necessity as the mother of this pattern—of all the considerations in the 2024 American election, stickers and the like have to be near the bottom of the list. The real parent here is expediency. Be forewarned that this isn’t an especially elegant way to produce a wearable woolen item that proclaims your civic pride. It is, however, fast and relatively easy if you’re used to working with small needles and have some experience with stranded knitting. It’s also a way to dabble in a tiny bit of intarsia. The pattern provides no guidance on either technique, and also assumes knowledge of following a chart.

You’ll need under 2 grams of lightweight yarn in three colors; scraps are perfect. Ideally, your three yarns will be the same weight, but you may be able to get away with similar weights. (I’m pretty sure my blue was light fingering and my red and white were laceweight.) I used my smallest needles, 00, and wouldn’t have minded a slightly smaller finished result had I had anything smaller on hand. My pin is 2.25” x 1.5”.

Other materials you’ll need: an old gift/membership card you’re willing to sacrifice, a safety crimp pin, strong tape, and a tapestry needle.

This is a free pattern by someone who has never written up a pattern for anyone else’s use, and no support is available—caveat knitter! But have fun! And, most importantly, VOTE!