
Illinois to Scrap State Flag? Here Are 10 New Designs You Can Vote On, or Not
Illinois is on the path to potentially adopting a new state flag, as the public voting process for selecting a fresh design is officially underway. This move comes after years of critique that the current flag, which features the state seal on a plain white background, lacks distinctiveness and visual appeal.
The push for a new flag gained momentum with the passing of SB1818, which led to the creation of the Illinois Flag Commission. The commission's task was to "gauge public desire for a new flag" and develop designs that better represent the state's identity. The current flag, adopted in 1915 and slightly modified in 1970, has often been criticized for its generic appearance, as it relies heavily on the state seal. Flag enthusiasts and design experts have long argued that a state flag should be simple, memorable, and uniquely symbolic—qualities that the present flag is said to lack.
The commission, which received nearly 5,000 submissions from residents and designers, has narrowed the options down to 10 finalists. These new designs aim to embody Illinois’ rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty, offering a more modern and meaningful representation of the state. Here are the 10 new designs ready to be voted on by you!

Public voting started on January 10th and will run through February 14th, 2025. Voters can cast their ballot online, choosing one flag per day. Alongside the 10 new designs, voters also have the option to select the current flag or two historical versions—the 1918 Centennial Flag and the 1968 Sesquicentennial Flag. So, if it's not broken, you can essentially choose not to "fix" it.
After the voting period, the Illinois Flag Commission will report its findings to the General Assembly in spring 2025. The General Assembly will then decide whether to adopt one of the new designs, revert to a previous iteration, or retain the current flag. If a new flag is approved, it would likely go into effect later in 2025, marking a significant change in Illinois’ visual identity and state pride.
This process mirrors similar efforts by other states, such as Mississippi and Utah, which recently updated their flags to incorporate more symbolic and contemporary designs. The goal is to create a flag that residents can rally behind and proudly display, fostering a deeper connection to their state. So, make your vote here today, and leave your mark on Illinois state history.
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