Contest Lets Voters Choose 'God' for Their Poll Stickers in Ohio, Riling Some Activists

Choices available to voters in Ohio's poll sticker contest. (ElectYourSticker.com)

They say in Ohio that "With God, All Things Are Possible."

That's the state's motto, a reference to the almighty that has been upheld by federal courts, but a proposal to put the motto on the stickers given out at polling stations after people vote is causing controversy in the Buckeye State.

The phrase is among the options proposed by Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted as part of a campaign inviting state residents to choose the design for new stickers. Two designs state simply "I Voted Today," with the state motto in smaller type. Other options range from the straightforward "I'm a Buckeye Voter" to a play on the state name, "O-H I vOte."

But the prospect of offering all voters, regardless of their religious beliefs, a sticker with the word "God" isn't sitting well with some voting rights activists.

"The ones that have the state motto on it would kind of put atheists in a bind, wouldn't it?" Ellis Jacobs, senior attorney for Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, told the Middletown Journal. "There are a heck of a lot of atheists out there. They shouldn't be made uncomfortable when they go to vote."

Catherine Turcer of the government watchdog group Ohio Citizen Action argued that people of all religious persuasions should feel welcome when voting.

"People love their stickers," Turcer told the Middletown Journal. "It's like a badge of honor. So the badge of honor should not be contentious."

About 2,000 people have voted in the online contest to determine the design of the new sticker, partly aimed at encouraging more young people to vote.

Matt McClellan, a Husted spokesman, told the Journal that Husted's office had received no complaints about the designs, and anyone who feels strongly about them is encouraged to visit ElectYourSticker.com and cast their vote.

"It's certainly not trying to push anything on anyone," McClellan said.

The contest continues until Aug. 8, at which point the controversy may no longer matter. As of Monday afternoon, the clear leading contender with just over half of the votes was the design made to look like "I (HEART) Voting," but using a red Ohio in place of the red heart.