Voting now open through Feb. 14 for new Illinois state flag

[January 11, 2025]  By Greg Bishop | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinoisans can now start choosing which new state flag they prefer, and it could be the current flag, one of two other previous state flags, or one of 10 finalists.

The current Illinois flag has been around since 1970. The recently enacted Illinois Flag Commission took nearly 5,000 submissions for a new flag and narrowed them down to 10 prospects.

Last month, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said people can begin voting for a new flag in January.

“I appreciate the creativity and passion reflected in the submissions and while the members of the flag commission have selected their top 10, you’ll now have an opportunity to vote for your favorite as well,” Giannoulias said.

Friday, polling was opened at ILSOS.gov/stateflag. Voting is open through Feb. 14.

“Now is the time to make your voice heard and I encourage folks to join the process by voting for the flag that they feel best represents our great state,” Giannoulias said Friday. “The public feedback received during this period will help guide the General Assembly’s final decision on the future of our state’s flag later this year.”

The public can vote for one flag once every 24-hour period, Giannoulias’ office said. Individuals with multiple favorite submissions may select a different flag each day. Once a selection is made, the selection cannot be altered after a vote is cast.

The top 10 finalists for a new Illinois state flag and examples of the current and two previous commemorative flags - Illinois Secretary of State

Voting is being facilitated internally by Giannoulias’ office.

After the voting period ends Feb. 14, the Illinois Flag Commission will count the votes and report its findings and recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1, 2025. The General Assembly will then vote on whether to adopt a new flag, return to a previous iteration of the flag or retain the current flag.

“As the saying goes, ‘if you don’t vote, you can’t complain,’” Giannoulias said in a video announcement last month. “So make your voice heard and select the flag you think best embodies and celebrates our great state. And remember, you can always stick with the current one.”

Illinois’ first flag with the state seal was approved in 1915. Several changes have since been made. The most recent version has been around since 1970 and features the state seal of an eagle holding a red banner that says “state sovereignty, national unity” on a white background with the word Illinois below.