Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has unveiled an exciting opportunity for residents to contribute to a potential redesign of the state flag. The Illinois Flag Commission, established by Senate Bill 1818, is inviting the public to submit their design ideas from September 3 to October 18, 2024. This initiative aims to involve Illinoisans in a creative process that could result in a new state symbol reflecting the state’s evolving identity and diverse communities.
Participants can submit their designs online at www.ilsos.gov or by mail to the Illinois Flag Commission in Springfield. Design submissions should follow specific guidelines, including a maximum file size of 5 MB and formats like PNG, GIF, or JPG. Each individual can submit up to three designs, and all entries must be original and not generated by AI. Designs should not include copyrighted materials but may incorporate elements of the State Seal or previous state flags.
The commission will review all submissions and select ten designs based on their representation of Illinois’s history, culture, and natural features. An online public survey will allow residents to vote for their favorite designs or choose to keep the current flag. Voting will commence on January 1, 2025, and continue for approximately two months.
Following the public feedback period, the commission will present its findings and the selected design options to the Illinois General Assembly. The Assembly will then decide whether to adopt a new flag or retain the existing one. This process is part of a broader trend, with other states like Minnesota recently updating their flags, and Michigan and Maine also considering changes.
The redesign contest not only provides an opportunity for creative expression but also aims to foster a sense of pride and unity among Illinois residents by ensuring that the state flag embodies the collective identity and values of its people.