SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined members of the Illinois Flag Commission at a press conference Thursday to announce residents can now submit new flag designs.

“History is living, breathing and ever-evolving,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We need to ensure government is evolving with the times so people are engaged and a part of what is going on across the state. My hope is that Illinois’ flag will truly represent Illinois – a state with a strong workforce, an agriculture champion and so much more.”

Turner led Senate Bill 1818 to create the Illinois Flag Commission to develop new state flag designs. The commission will make recommendations to the General Assembly deciding whether the current state flag should be replaced with a redesigned state flag by April 1, 2025.

“Considering our state flag has remained essentially the same for more than 100 years, I’m excited to see the creativity and the passion of the new designs,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office chairs the Flag Commission. “I thank Senator Turner and Representative Buckner for sponsoring this legislation that not only gives the public an opportunity to create a new flag, but to vote on one that exemplifies and celebrates our great state.”

Public submissions for a new state flag design will be accepted now until Oct. 18. People can submit designs here.

“As an historian, it is exciting to witness states across the country examine their changing identity to see if our state flags reflect the progress made since the flags were designed,” said Tandra Taylor, interim director for the Institute for Community Justice and Racial Equity at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. “The Illinois state flag, like other states’, has not significantly changed in about 100 years. Yet so many things have changed about our state’s identity and values. I’m proud to be a part of the commission responsible for considering the future of Illinois’ flag.”

The commission will select 10 designs based on how they reflect the identity of Illinois and will host an online public survey for the public to vote on their favorites or to keep the current flag. Voting will begin Jan. 1 and last six weeks.

“Flags come from heraldry, from a time in history when soldiers would come from the same small area and go to fight far from home,” said Doctor of American Studies and Folklore Ben Aldred. “A flag was a symbol that helped you stay together, reunite with your friends, remember where you came from and what you fought for. Finding the right flag means finding the people who share your definition of home. That’s the chance we have here, to help define what that home means to us and the statement we make to the world together.”

Residents with questions can reach out to Turner’s office at 217-782-0228.