Illinois officials contemplate updating the state flag as they consider whether to make changes: "Keeping pace with the times"

The commissioners will decide whether to change the state flag design after Labor Day, and Illinois will then accept submissions for the new flag design.

Last year, Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law the measure establishing a 20-member Illinois Flag Commission (IFC), which is now considering whether to alter the flag.

Democratic state Sen. Doris Turner, a co-sponsor of the legislation, stated that history is constantly changing and growing.

To ensure government remains relevant and inclusive, Turner initiated the Illinois Flag Commission, which aims to decide if the current State flag should be replaced with a redesigned one. The flag should reflect Illinois' diverse strengths, including its strong workforce, agricultural heritage, and other unique qualities.

The Illinois secretary of state's office announced that Turner of Springfield and Democratic state Rep. Kam Buckner of Chicago introduced legislation to evaluate if a new State flag would better represent the state's diversity of urban, suburban and rural communities and inspire renewed state pride among Illinoisians.

The IFC will choose ten designs that best represent Illinois' identity on January 1st, 2025. Residents will have the opportunity to vote on their favorites and whether to retain the current flag through an online public survey hosted by the commission.

Several other states, including Utah, Mississippi, Michigan, and Maine, have also redesigned their flags.

Minnesota approved a change to its flag in January earlier this year.

In May, Minnesota unveiled its new flag, which symbolizes its motto as the North Star State and replaced an earlier flag featuring a Native American that was deemed offensive by some.

In December, Minnesota officials formed a committee and accepted community input before adopting a new flag design featuring two blue shapes and a white star.

Planet Chronicle' Lawrence Richards contributed to this report.