The quest for Illinois’ new state flag is advancing as the Flag Commission selects its top 10 finalists. After reviewing nearly 5,000 unique submissions, the public will soon have a say in the state’s symbol of identity. Starting in January, residents can cast their votes online, choosing from the 10 new designs or deciding whether to keep the familiarity of the current flag or revert to historical versions from 1918 or 1968. The initiative, enacted by Senate Bill 1818, seeks to capture public sentiment and present findings to the Illinois General Assembly by April 2025. This participatory approach ensures the chosen flag truly reflects the spirit and values of Illinois.