Time running out to leave your mark on Illinois with state flag design submissions

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — The window of opportunity for Illinois residents to submit a design for the new state flag is coming to a close.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said the deadline to submit a flag design is Oct. 18. After the deadline has passed, 10 designs will be selected by the Illinois Flag Commission.

The public will then vote for which design they like the best. They’ll have the choice between 10 new designs, or three former designs, including the current flag, the 1918 Centennial Flag and the 1968 Sesquicentennial Flag.

The Illinois Flag Commission will work to find a new state flag that represents the diversity of communities throughout the state and inspire “renewed state pride.”

The Commission suggests designers include natural features that are important to the state, as well as designs that represent the history and culture of Illinois.

“The state design contest showcases the creativity of participants who can make their own history by designing a new flag for future generations,” Giannoulias said.

After the public has the chance to vote, the Commission will share what they found to the Illinois General Assembly. The assembly members will then vote to adopt a new flag, return to a previous flag or keep the current flag.

The last time the state flag was redesigned was over 50 years ago.

The Commission was created by Senate Bill 1818 and sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner from Springfield and State Representative Kam Buckner from Chicago. It was signed into law in 2023.

For more information on contest rules and guidelines, or to submit a flag design, visit the Illinois
Secretary of State’s website .

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