The Illinois Flag Commission is seeking input in redesigning the state's 55-year-old flag.
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 3 and running until Oct. 18, the commission will accept submissions online or via mail.
The commission will choose 10 designs before hosting an online public survey for the public to vote on their favorites - or to keep the current flag.
Designs will ultimately be judged on their representation of the state’s diversity of urban, suburban and rural communities and ability to inspire state pride among Illinoisians.
Voting will begin Jan. 1 and last six weeks.
The commission was created in 2023 after Senate Bill 1818 was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Following the public feedback period, the commission will report its findings to the Illinois General Assembly, whose members will vote on whether to adopt a new flag or retain the current design.
Some general guidance for submissions includes:
- Participants are required to provide their first and last name, address, email address and phone number. They are also required to explain their relationship to Illinois and provide a description of their flag entry (each category limited to 500 characters).
- Designs cannot be AI generated.
- Designs cannot be copied from other designs or use existing logos or copyrighted materials; however, the design can include elements or reproductions of the State Seal or any prior Illinois State flag.
- Persons under 18 may submit designs if submitted in coordination with a parent/ guardian, teacher or adult mentor.
For more information regarding the contest and submission guidelines, click here.