If you’ve ever looked at the Illinois state flag and thought, “Maybe it’s time for a change,” now is your chance to do something about it!

The Illinois Flag Commission, as part of Senate Bill 1818 (SB1818), has been tasked with exploring the public’s interest in redesigning the state flag. After sifting through nearly 5,000 flag design submissions, the commission has narrowed it down to ten finalists. And now, it’s your turn to vote on your favorite design.

While the vote is open to anyone, Illinois residents are especially encouraged to participate. Voting is easy, and the best part is: you have until February 14th to submit your choice. Yes, anyone from anywhere can vote online—so even if you’ve moved away from Illinois, you still have a say in the future of the state’s flag!

A Little History: Why the Illinois Flag Looks the Way It Does

Designing and changing a state flag might sound simple, but it’s more complicated than you think—especially when government rules and regulations come into play. The current Illinois state flag has stayed largely the same since 1969. Originally, the flag did not feature the word “Illinois,” making it hard to recognize.

In 1969, a Vietnam War veteran, Chief Petty Officer Bruce McDaniel from Waverly, Illinois, noticed that unlike other state flags displayed in his mess hall, Illinois’ flag couldn’t be identified. He wrote to state Rep. Jack Walker, who took action to change it. As a result, a new flag design was introduced, with “Illinois” written below the state emblem. Since then, the flag has remained the same, with just a few small adjustments.

The current Illinois state flag features a white field with the state seal in the center and the word “Illinois” below it in blue. The design guidelines are clear about the colors used—eight colors in total—including Old Glory Red, Midnight Black, Hunter Green, and others. The word “Illinois” is written in a bold, serif typeface.

How to Vote on the Flag Designs

Voting is simple and straightforward, and it’s happening now! To cast your vote for your favorite flag design, follow these steps:

Go to the Illinois Flag Commission website.

Scroll down until you see the “Vote” button.

Select the flag design you prefer from the top ten options.

You can vote once every 24 hours, so feel free to return and vote again if you change your mind.

You have until February 14th to make your voice heard. After the voting ends, the results will be shared with Illinois lawmakers by April 1st. While lawmakers are not required to act on the vote, they will use it as an advisory referendum, which is a way to see what the public thinks.

What Does Your Vote Mean?

It’s important to note that your vote is advisory. This means that although your vote will be counted, the final decision about whether to adopt a new flag will be made by Illinois lawmakers. The results will give lawmakers a sense of what the public prefers, but they have the power to decide whether or not to move forward with a new flag design.

Why Change the Flag?

Supporters of a new flag argue that updating the design could better represent the modern state of Illinois. The current flag, with its seal and wordmark, is often seen as outdated and too complicated. Advocates for change feel that a simpler, more modern flag could better capture the identity of the state and resonate with residents today.

On the other hand, some people feel that the flag is a symbol of Illinois’ history and should be preserved. They worry that changing it would erase a part of the state’s heritage.

What Happens Next?

After voting ends on February 14th, the Illinois Flag Commission will submit the results to lawmakers. They will then review the designs and decide if Illinois will continue with the current flag or adopt a new one. Whatever happens, this is a unique opportunity for Illinois residents to have a say in their state’s future symbol.