By John Clark | My Stateline
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois is having a competition to design a new state flag, and residents are encouraged to submit their proposals.
The contest will open on Tuesday, September 3rd and run until October 18th.
The Illinois General Assembly will then decide whether to adopt a new flag, or keep the existing design.
I’m excited to see the creativity of Illinois residents and how they display their passion for our great state,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. “The symbols that represent and unify our state are important and this presents an excellent opportunity to engage Illinoisans and showcase their pride.”
According to a press release, “the commission to evaluate if a new state flag would better represent the state’s diversity of urban, suburban and rural communities and inspire renewed state pride among Illinoisans.”
Sen. Doris Turner (D-48th Dist.), who sponsored a bill creating an Illinois commission to design a new flag, said, “We need a flag that truly represents Illinois – a state with a strong workforce, an agriculture champion and so much more.”
The commission will select 10 designs based on how they reflect the identity of Illinois, and will then allow residents to vote on their favorite, beginning January 1st, 2025.
Story continues here or visit the Illinois Flag Commission website.