No matter why you vote or who you vote for, it’s vital to get out there and actually do it. But the reality is, voting can be (or feel) difficult for many — especially now, amidst these unconventional times — and it shouldn’t be. To that end, we’ve partnered with I am a voter.® to launch the I Voted Detrola to spread the word on how to get your voice heard & take action.
Your voice is your vote, and the I Voted Detrola is not only a declaration of democracy, it’s an expression of who you are. Wear it while you register your friends, give your family a ride to the polls, or fill out your absentee ballot. Timely planned to launch on National Voter Registration Day, we’ve enlisted the help of I am a voter.® to direct consumers to resources they need to get themselves registered, informed, and prepared for the polls.
“We are so honored to partner with Shinola to raise critically needed awareness around civic engagement and the upcoming elections,” said I am a voter.® founder Mandana Dayani. “We are huge fans of the brand and their commitment to inclusion, diversity, and US-built products!”
Thanks to the resources provided by I am a voter.®, shoppers will be able register on-the-spot in Shinola stores using QR codes & text instructions on display (text SHINOLA to 26797) at our cash wrap for easy sign-up on your smartphone.
As a brand we’ve always set out to create meaningful and lasting change in the community – be it in our hometown of Detroit or wherever we’ve opened our doors – and we intend to do this tenfold with the I Voted watch and initiative,” says Shannon Washburn, CEO of Shinola. “We want to encourage people to use their voice and be represented, all while demystifying the process and emphasizing the importance of taking action with their vote. That’s why this year, Shinola will be observing Election Day as a paid company holiday, to allow our employees to get out there and vote in any way they can.” On the partnership with I am a voter.®, Ms. Washburn says, “We are so excited to be partnering with an organization that shares this same mindset, and are confident that together we’ll spark some inspiration amongst the population of first-time voters and all voters across the nation.”
Look the part while doing your part. The I Voted is a major upgrade from the ordinary sticker you’d receive after casting your ballot. The bright blue sandblasted dial features Arabic numerals and minute track in white, as well as the Shinola Detroit and Detrola collection logos. The glossy red 43mm case crafted from TR90 resin is anchored by a stainless-steel core & Argonite 705 movement hand-assembled in Detroit, and the dial is protected by double-domed K1 crystal. Complete with a soft & flexible bright blue silicone strap, this unisex timepiece is a symbol of civic duty. Priced at $395, the I Voted will be available for at Shinola stores & Shinola.com beginning September 22nd.
As an added element and to support on a local level, we’ve collaborated with Detroit-based 1xRUN (“one-time run”) on 30 one-of-a-kind renditions of the I Voted watch on customized nylon straps by artist Alexander John available on 1xRun.com for $450. Shinola & 1xRun have pledged to donate $3,000 ($100 per custom watch) to the Detroit Pistons’ Get In The Game: VOTE initiative, following the franchise’s announcement that their practice facility would now be used as a voting site for the 2020 elections (at the urging of LeBron James & other NBA stars).
To kick off the launch and further amplify our message, Shinola and I am a voter. ® will be hosting a digital event on September 24th talking all things ‘voting’: why it matters, why it’s our mission, and how to get involved on both a national level and locally in our hometown of Detroit.
Panelists include: Shinola CEO Shannon Washburn, I am a voter. ® Founder Mandana Dayani, Detroit Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem, and NBA Legend Rick Mahorn; along with a special video appearance from actor, producer, and co-founder of IAMAMAN.vote Anthony Mackie, who will discuss IAMAMAN.vote’s initiative in aiming to get one million men to register to vote.
The event is open to the public, and guests can head to this link (https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PLIkMN1hTLOeJfo-98tlFw) to sign up to attend.
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