Get Out the Vote! - Again and Always
This highly publicized and scrutinized election season got me to thinking about a program that we did in the AIGA about 3 years ago. As part of a national-down-to-local-level campaign, many designers were asked to design posters whose message was to "Get Out the Vote". It's very interesting to see that the tone and imagery used for the posters then are still very much inline with what is going on today. Granted, it's only a few years later, but still extremely telling.
I guess the most impacting poster, in my view, is that of Mark Fox. His poster design touched on the then young war in Iraq and the number of casualties reported at that time. It's very telling and sad.
Another effective poster design was done by Michael Schwab that depicts the constant struggle between the two main parties - although we're told that's not the case many times.
Two other good ones that were among the San Francisco-based poster designs are from Marty Neumeier and Josh Levine. The two posters are classic and in-your-face, respectively.
These posters, and a few others, were displayed at various bus stops and downtown newspaper kiosks during that tumultuous election season. Although that year the reds still appeared to beat-out the blues, the message and importance of going to the polls to vote remained.
I feel that it's extremely important to cast my ballot at every election, whether it's considered an important one or not. I always feel good when I leave the polling place with my ballot receipt and "I voted" sticker. No matter what side of an issue you're on - or what color you are - it's important to let your voice be heard. Get Out the Vote! this year, and every year - it really is important.
Thank you, Mike, for the effective reminder. Zak M. Salih, in an article that appeared this morning in the Houston Chronicle, wrote, in effect, why vote? Nothing will change. "So many of today's candidates have passion; unfortunately, it's a passion to win, not a passion to instill change."
In one sense, the outstanding Michael Schwab poster represents an irresistible force meeting an unmovable object. Head-to-head, nothing ever seems to change. But change happens.
Change is inevitable. Those who vote can have an effect. Those who vote can make a difference. Those who don’t, won’t.