A contest could help determine how Maine’s state flag appears.

“The bipartisan law passed last year to send voters the question of whether to keep our current flag or return to the Pine Tree flag that was our state flag from 1901 to 1909 also tasked me with approving a model flag to send to the Adjutant General,” Secretary of State Shenna Bellows state in a news releasee on Friday – Flag Day. “But this duty bestowed upon me by the Legislature is not a job I can do alone. That’s why today I invite every Mainer to consider submitting a design for consideration.”

The 1901 state flag featured a five-pointed blue star with a pine tree on a buff background. This was Maine’s first state flag and was in place until 1909. It was then changed to feature the Maine state seal on a blue background as we see today.

“Approving a new model flag is a duty I proudly undertake because the symbols that represent us, the symbols that unify us as a state and nation, matter a lot,” said Bellows. “This is a debate delightfully free of partisan politics, and one that every Maine voter can weigh in on at the ballot box this fall.” 

Bellows says the winner of the design contest will be announced before Mainers can start voting in the General Election taking place in November.

Anyone interested in participating should visit maine.gov/sos. Submissions for designs are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 19.