Illinois Opens State Flag Design Contest
The Illinois Flag Commission is inviting the public to participate in a historic opportunity to design a new state flag. Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3, the Commission will accept submissions from residents who wish to contribute their artistic vision to a potential new symbol for Illinois.
Designs can be submitted online through a dedicated portal or by mailing them to the Illinois Flag Commission at the Howlett Building, Room 476, 501 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62756. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 18, 2024.
The Illinois Flag Commission was established in 2023 following the passage of Senate Bill 1818, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) and State Representative Kam Buckner (D-Chicago). The commission’s mission is to evaluate whether a new state flag would better represent Illinois’ diverse urban, suburban, and rural communities, and inspire renewed state pride.
The Commission will review all submitted designs and select 10 finalists that best reflect the identity of Illinois. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, an online public survey will allow residents to vote on their favorite design or choose to keep the current state flag. The voting period will last six weeks.
Public feedback will be considered when the Commission presents its findings to the Illinois General Assembly, which will ultimately decide whether to adopt a new flag or retain the existing one.
Guidelines for submissions include incorporating elements that reflect the state’s natural features, history, and culture. While there is no restriction on the shape or color palette of the flag, designers are encouraged to use fewer than three colors for clarity. Each participant is limited to three submissions, and designs must be original, not AI-generated, and free from copyrighted material, except for elements of the State Seal or previous state flags.
Designers under 18 can participate with the support of a parent, teacher, or adult mentor. All participants must provide their name, contact information, and a brief description of their design.
For more information on submission guidelines and to submit your design, visit the Illinois Flag Commission’s website. The contest represents a unique chance for residents to leave their mark on state history by contributing to a symbol that could represent Illinois for generations to come.
