There is just over a month until election day in Georgia, and polling locations across the state are gearing up for early voting to kick off on Oct. 13.
Typically, whether you vote in person during the early
voting period or on election day, you know you've wrapped up when a poll worker hands you a peach sticker saying "I voted."
That may not be what happens this time.
On Sept. 29, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced a new style of voter sticker from Georgia artist Steve Penley that will debut during the midterm election.
New voting sticker coming this election
Instead of the classic peach image, the sticker instead depicts the golden dome of the state capital and the state's flag.
“We are excited to debut this one-of-a-kind sticker by renowned artist Steve Penley,” Secretary Brad Raffensperger said. “Voting is one of the easiest ways Georgians can make their voices heard, and this sticker gives voters a fun way to celebrate participating in democracy. I hope Georgians will wear the sticker proudly and encourage their friends and family to do the same.”
Is the Georgia Peach gone?
While the new sticker will be available across the state, that doesn't mean that the classic peach stickers are gone.
A spokesperson for the Secretary of State's Office told the Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network, the counties can "distribute (the new stickers) as they choose," and that there are no regulations on how and when to use specific stickers.
There will be five million new stickers printed and distributed to Georgia's 159 counties, not nearly enough for the more than seven million voters registered across the state.
Both the new sticker and the original stickers should be available to voters, which will hopefully put some of the initial outcry to bed.
“Art has always been a powerful way to celebrate what makes Georgia special, and I’m honored to create a design that Georgians can take home with them from polls,” artist Steve Penley said. “The 'I Voted' sticker is a simple symbol, but it represents something important: that you showed up to make your voice heard.”
When does voting start in Georgia?
Early voting begins on Oct. 13 and will run until Oct. 30. Election day is held on Nov. 3.
The voter registration deadline is on Oct. 5. Georgia residents can check their registration status as well as information about their voting location and polling hours at the GA My Voter Page.
Irene Wright covers midterm races in Georgia as the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New 'I voted' stickers to debut in GA midterms. Is the peach gone?
