State Senator Doris Turner and the Illinois Flag Commission announced on Thursday that residents can now submit designs for a potential new state flag. Senator Turner, who spearheaded Senate Bill 1818 to establish the commission, raises the importance of a modernized flag that reflects the state’s evolving identity. 

Senator Turner says this is a great opportunity, especially for young Illinoisans to learn the history and diversity of the state. 

The Illinois Flag Commission, chaired by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, is tasked with reviewing public submissions and will make recommendations to the General Assembly by April 1, 2025, on whether to keep or replace the current flag. Giannoulias expressed excitement about seeing new designs after more than a century of the current flag’s use.

Public submissions will be accepted until October 18, with 10 finalists selected for a public vote starting January 1, 2024. The public will have six weeks to vote on whether to keep the existing flag or adopt a new design.

Historian, Tandra Taylor, noted that many states are reassessing their flags to better reflect modern identities and values. The Illinois state flag has remained unchanged for over 100 years, and this initiative provides a chance to update the symbol of Illinois.

Residents with questions can contact Senator Turner’s office at 217-782-0228.