Over the last several weeks, we’ve been asking you to partake in our challenge, “The Search for America’s Greatest Innovation.”

We gave you a list of nine innovations and asked you to vote for your favorite. Your votes have narrowed things down—the mobile phone and the sewing machine remain in the running.

We’ve also revealed our wildcard choice. This innovation is something you—our listeners—nominated to be in the top three. The votes poured in by the hundreds, and while we got some great suggestions, we could only pick one: The transistor. 

Ahead of our final selection this Friday, we’re asking you to cast your ballot for our final three to help us decide “America’s Greatest Innovation.” 

Vote For America’s Greatest Innovation Here

WILDCARD: The Transistor

(Anita Rundles)

Invented in 1947 by three men at Bell Laboratories, the transistor was designed to replace inefficient vacuum tubes as the key building block of America’s telephone network. It also made the miniaturization of technology possible, paving the way for computers, cell phones, GPS devices, and much more.

Is this America’s greatest innovation? Cast your ballot here. 

The Sewing Machine

(Credit: Anita Rundles)

The sewing machine was invented in 1846 by Elias Howe in Massachusetts. Today sewing machines are used by countless artists, designers, and hobbyists. Listen to Deborah Nadoolman Landis, a Hollywood costume designer, make her case for why the sewing machine is America’s greatest innovation. 

Is this America’s greatest innovation? Cast your ballot here.

The Mobile Phone

(Credit: Anita Rundles)

Invented in 1973 by Martin Cooper of Motorola, the first mobile phone weighed two pounds and cost more than $4,000. Today, more than 6 billion people use cell phones. Listen to Melinda Gates, philanthropist and wife of Microsoft Founder Bill Gates, make her case for why the cell phone is America’s greatest innovation.

Is this America’s greatest innovation? Cast your ballot here.