Force The Issue NJ is a Jersey City based non-profit political organization founded in 2016 with the mission of developing and hosting data-driven online tools and web-based media dedicated to connecting engaged citizens with opportunities to make a difference in the Garden State.

Force The Issue approached Newark By Design with the task of helping them realize a brand identity that captured their brand ethos of progressive political values and civic participation. During the discovery process, it was decided that one of the most easily recognizable symbols of engagement was the ballot box as represented by a check inside a square. The check inside of the square represents the ability of every citizen in a representative democracy to have their voice heard through voting.

Early in the ideation phase, it was determined that the creative direction for the brand identity would be a word mark of "Force The Issue" incorporating the ballot box in place of the letter "o".