New Illinois Flag Design Proposals Revealed by State Officials
State Officials Narrow Down List to 10 New Designs
Out of nearly 5,000 entries, officials have narrowed down their list to 10 new Illinois flag design proposals for the public to vote on early next year. The Illinois Flag Commission revealed their 10 choices for the public balloting, which is set to take place in January, according to officials.
Public Vote Set to Take Place in January
Those flags, along with previous Illinois flags and the state’s current banner, will go up for a public vote, with the commission set to make their recommendations to the state’s General Assembly later in 2025.
Secretary of State Commends Creative Submissions
“Having received nearly 5,000 entries, I appreciate the creativity and passion reflected in all the submissions,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office convened the Flag Commission meetings.
Photos: Illinois Flag Design Proposals Released by Commission
More information on the inspiration of each of the designs can be found on the Illinois Flag Commission’s website.
Voters to Choose Between Designs
Under provisions of SB 1818, voters will get an opportunity to choose between the flag designs published by the committee, but the final say on whether the state will adopt a new banner, and which banner will fly over the Capitol, belongs to the General Assembly.
Illinois’ Current Flag Under Review
Illinois’ current flag incorporates the state’s official seal, which was adopted in 1869. The flag itself was adopted in 1915, with a small addition of the state’s name added in 1970, according to the Flag Commission’s website.
New Flags Adopted by Other States
Numerous states have adopted new flags in recent years, including Minnesota, who designed and unveiled a new banner in 2024. Mississippi and Utah have also unveiled new flags, though other states have made minor changes to their designs or have codified specific standards for their banners.
Rankings of State Flags Criticize Illinois’ Design
Rankings of state flags have routinely put Illinois on the lower end of the list, with critics pointing to the state’s use of the official seal rather than a unique design.
Conclusion
The Illinois Flag Commission has revealed 10 new flag design proposals for public vote, with the commission set to make their recommendations to the state’s General Assembly later in 2025. The public vote is set to take place in January, giving residents an opportunity to choose between the designs.
FAQs
* What is the purpose of the public vote?
+ The public vote is to allow residents to choose between the 10 new flag design proposals.
* Who will make the final decision on adopting a new flag?
+ The General Assembly will make the final decision on whether to adopt a new flag and which design to choose.
* When is the public vote set to take place?
+ The public vote is set to take place in January.
