Temple students design voting buttons

Young voices are essential, passionate and often underrepresented in our voting process. A senior illustration class led by Armando Veve at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture worked with The Inquirer to create button designs that encourage participation in our democracy. Each design and illustration student explored the concept of voting in the US, with a focus on Philadelphia. Their ideas vary widely and include themes of local civic pride, historical viewpoints and fresh interpretations of national symbols. These perspectives, especially from new or first-time voters, are meant to inspire us all as we head to the polls this week.

Adam VelasquezPhiladelphia, 22. My inspiration is the rich history of tattoos and how ingrained they are in the city. @crapstract

Adrianna RiveraEaston, Pa., 24. My love for self-expression through nails inspired this piece. With this design I hoped to combine personal style and activism. @wormfoetus

Aiden WinfieldWest Chester, Pa., 22. Every person has their own unique fingerprint and every person has a unique reason why they vote. @insane.bsky.social

Brian LuongPhiladelphia, 25. I was inspired to use the stars for my VOTE pin by looking at the American flag and thought it would look fun if the word “vote” were spelled out in stars. @bluong_art

Greta PoglincoMontclair, NJ, 23. Using an iconic national symbol, the Statue of Liberty, to emphasize the importance of voting. @gretadoesart_

Jack LynchLevittown, Pa., 21. Embrace positive relationships with each other and the world around us to discover new possibilities. @jacklynchhhh

Jah’liyah Love SmithPittsburgh, Pa., 21. Children don’t have to worry about their future, and we have the opportunity to let children be children.

Jean Jose Rivera RodriguezSan Juan, PR, 22. As a Latino, VOTA represents the joy that the Latino community brings to this country. My illustration is represented by beautiful Mexican traditions, structures on the coasts of Puerto Rico, the amazing work of the Dominican Republic in their agricultural factories such as cocoa, to the city of real coffee, Colombia. @jr_illustrations_23

Jose Pantoja-SanchezPhiladelphia, 23. I wanted to make a pin that represents Philadelphia, and that one thing is sports. I chose the Phillies because I am interested in baseball and it would appeal to most readers. @no_way_joseps_

Layla JenkinsBucks County, Pa., 21. I wanted to give my voting pin a very vibrant and colorful feel, so I referenced psychedelic/tie-dye art to help me evoke the message in an energetic and fun way that represents the theme Philly. @illastration

Liana DeMarcoMount Laurel, NJ, 22. My pin was inspired by women’s suffrage, feminism, and the critical importance of voting equality and empowerment. @lianademarco.png

Liliana GartanuttiPhiladelphia, 21. This pin symbolizes the impact of climate change, especially forest fires. They have been normalized despite deteriorating conditions and rampant ecological destruction. @lgartanutti

Logan GarciaPhiladelphia, 22. Being in the spirit of Halloween, I put forward some ideas, landed on a doll and made it more tasty for the election. @brash.hounds

Maria KortzNazareth, Pennsylvania, 23. For my PIN, I was thinking of old versions of Windows, specifically Windows XP. I remembered the old persistent pop-ups that would randomly appear when I played games on the family computer, and I thought these would be interesting visuals for this particular message. I think there is a different sense of urgency in this election, and being constantly reminded to vote can be exhausting, but it is incredibly important. @marve.illus

Natalie DeFruscioHavertown, Pa., 21. I believe Gritty is a fun and iconic staple of Philadelphia, despite being a bit crazy. @doodles_by_nat