Mar 6, 2025 - Politics

Illinois picks new-ish state flag

Carrie Shepherd

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The Illinois state flag waving in front of buildings. — Photo: Victor Lochon/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced the winning design of the state's new flag contest.

Except, well, it's not new.

Flashback: Last year, the Illinois Flag Commission released 10 designs for the public to vote on.

Driving the news: Giannoulias said Thursday that 385,000 votes were cast in the contest.

165,000, or 43%, selected the current flag that features an eagle on a rock with a red ribbon coming from its beak, emblazoned with the words "State Sovereignty, National Union."

Zoom in: More than 5,400 Axios Chicago readers voted on the best design and the option with a simple navy background with a bust of Lincoln, squeaked by as the winner.

Second place? The current flag.

What's next: The decision to *checks notes* use the current state flag as the new state flag goes to the General Assembly. Lawmakers could also decide to pick a new design or revert back to an old one.

The bottom line: Do we hate change?

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Illinois picks new-ish state flag

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