Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced that the Illinois Flag Commission will begin accepting public submissions for a new state flag design. The commission will accept design ideas for consideration from the public – online or via mail – until October 18th. The commission also plans to work with schools and local libraries to inform Illinoisans about the process and encourage residents to take part. The commission was created in 2023 after Senate Bill 1818, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (48th District—Springfield) and State Representative Kam Buckner (26th District—Chicago) was signed into law. The commission will select 10 designs based on how they reflect the identity of Illinois and will host an online public survey for residents to vote on their favorites or to keep the current flag. Voting will begin Jan. 1 and last around two months. Some general guidance for submissions includes:

• Design elements can include natural features of the state, history and culture of the state.

• No limit on flag shape or ratio but designs may be edited by the commission.

• No limit on colors but recommended less than three colors for clarity of design.

• Participants can visit www.ilsos.gov and upload online or submit their design via mail addressed to Illinois Flag Commission, Howlett Building, Room 476, 501 S. Second St., Springfield, IL 62756

• 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.