SPRINGFIELD, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois residents now have the opportunity to help decide whether the state should adopt a new flag. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office opened the voting portal on Friday, allowing voters to choose from 10 new flag designs, the current flag, the 1918 Centennial flag, or the 1968 Sesquicentennial flag. Voting will remain open through February 14, and individuals can vote once every 24 hours.
The online poll is non-binding but will help guide the Illinois Flag Commission, which will release a report to the General Assembly by April 1. The General Assembly will then decide whether to adopt a new flag based on the commission’s recommendation.
The 10 finalists were selected from over 4,800 submissions by a commission made up of lawmakers and appointed officials. Designs came from a diverse group, including Illinois natives, students, and descendants of historical figures like Civil War veteran James McCartney.
To view the designs and cast your vote, visit www.ilsos.gov/stateflag.