Explore how American politics take physical form through cartoons, bumper stickers and more with Trail to the Voting Booth: An Exploration of Political Ephemera.

The contours of a political campaign are familiar to all: speeches, debates, rallies and party conventions, culminating when Americans gather to cast their ballots in November. With the votes tallied, winners prepare to take office and unsuccessful candidates return to private life, but what do these campaigns leave behind after Election Day?

This exhibition explores the ways in which Americans talk about politics, and the way these discussions manifest in physical objects. This political dialog has taken many physical forms for more than 240 years—think pamphlets, song sheets, cartoons, buttons, bumper stickers, costume jewelry, housewares and more—allowing people to display their support for causes and candidates, and later serving as memories of elections past.

The exhibition is on view September 7 – December 10 in the Special Collections Gallery in Morris Library. The Special Collections Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition is also available online.

Admission is free. Please observe the University’s current COVID-19 health and safety protocols when visiting.