Less than three months after casting their ballots in the presidential election, residents of Illinois can participate in another vote: to replace the state flag.
Last Friday, the Illinois Flag Commission opened an online poll for Illinoisans to choose from one of 10 flags, as well as the state’s 1968 150-year flag or to keep the current flag.
According to State Sen. Doris Turner, who sponsored Senate Bill 1818, the legislation that created the Flag Commission, the search for a new flag is an effort to keep Illinois and its government evolving.
The contest was also opened to find a new flag that better represents Illinois and its people.
“Our flag embodies the rich tapestry of Illinois, from the mighty Mississippi to the shores of Lake Michigan,” said State Rep. Kam Buckner, another sponsor of Bill 1818, in a statement. “A new design presents a unique opportunity to honor our heritage while showcasing the evolving story of Illinois.”
All 10 finalist flags were designed by current or former Illinois residents and have a variety of meanings and symbolism, from Abraham Lincoln and agricultural power to the Mississippi River and the state’s butterfly.
If a flag wins the vote, it is not guaranteed to become the state’s new banner. According to a statement by the Flag Commission, the poll’s results will inform a report they will send to the Illinois General Assembly, which will decide to keep the current flag or choose the vote’s winner.
Not everyone wants the flag to be changed, however. In a survey of EHS students, 48.2% said the current state banner is fine and shouldn’t be replaced and others think it needs tweaking but should stay.
“The current flag is bland and does need updating,” senior Gunnar Schag said. “However, we should keep the emblem since it has historical value.”
The majority of students also dislike most of the finalists, with most having between 50% and 70% disapproval.
One reason many students don’t like some of the potential flags is the importance they place on Chicago.
“In a lot of [flags] an inclusion of a singular, prominent star [is used] to represent Chicago,” Schag said. “Chicago is not the capital and does not properly represent [the] rest of the state.”
Finalist No. 10, a banner with 20 small stars surrounding a larger one and stripes representing Lake Michigan and Illinois’ various rivers, was the most disliked. 73.7% of students said they didn’t like the flag, and several compared it to the flag of North Korea.
“No. 10 is absolutely hilarious,” senior Caroline James said. “I hope we pick this one because if North Korea invades, they might spare our state out of respect for our wonderfully designed flag.”
Only finalist No. 6, a flag with Abraham Lincoln’s silhouette surrounded by 21 stars on a dark blue background, proved to be mostly well-liked, with 58.4% of respondents approving of it and many saying it was their favorite option.
“I like how they took the ‘Land of Lincoln’ and ran with it,” freshman Elena Krause said. “They took a very simple route for this flag, but it makes it more appealing.”
Students can cast a real ballot for a new flag on the Secretary of State’s website. One vote can be placed per day, and voting will stay open until Feb. 14.