Flags often stir strong emotions and a sense of identity, with many earning beloved or notorious nicknames over time. Some are celebrated—like the Stars and Stripes, the Union Flag, or Canada’s Maple Leaf. Others, not so much. Illinois’ flag, for instance, has been jokingly dubbed the “Seal on a Bedsheet,” a nod to its plain white background and central bald eagle emblem.

In an attempt to give the flag a modern makeover, state officials held a design contest and let the public weigh in. The verdict? One design came out on top.

And the winner is… the current flag.

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SOB triumphs in a landslide

Out of nearly 385,000 votes cast, the existing flag secured 43%—more than the next six finalists combined.

“Some may call it an SOB, and the vexillological community (flag experts) may dislike it, but the people have spoken—they overwhelmingly support our current state flag,” said Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias. Giannoulias’ office oversees the Illinois Flag Commission, whose members were appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and state education and museum officials.

A design over a century old

Originally created in 1915, Illinois’ flag consists of a white background featuring the state seal, which dates back to 1868. The design includes a bald eagle before a rising sun, clutching a shield in its talons and a banner in its beak that reads “State Sovereignty, National Union”—a motto reflecting Illinois’ dual values. In 1970, the word “Illinois” was added in bold letters at the bottom.

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Finalists included 10 new designs and two historic flags

Last fall, Illinois residents were invited to submit their own ideas for a new state flag. More than 4,800 designs poured in—many of them serious contenders. The commission narrowed the selection down to 10 finalists and added the current 1915 flag along with two historic flags used for Illinois’ Centennial in 1918 and Sesquicentennial in 1968.

“This was never about forcing a new flag on people,” said Rep. Kam Buckner, the Chicago Democrat who sponsored the law launching the contest. “We wanted to gauge public opinion, and I respect the results.”

More votes for change, but a clear decision

While the existing flag claimed nearly 166,000 votes, around 219,000 voters supported a new design. “There were more people who felt we should go in a different direction,” Buckner acknowledged. He described the second-place entry—a stylized sun with a halo of stars rising over green prairie stripes—as “super cool.”

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A spark of statewide pride

The final decision now rests with the General Assembly, but given the overwhelming public support for keeping the current flag, Buckner doubts lawmakers will push for change.

Regardless of the outcome, he sees the contest as a success. Entries came in from all over Illinois and from people of all ages, achieving one of his main goals: “Ginning up some pride about Illinois.”

“This reminded me that people truly care about their home state and how it’s represented,” Buckner said.

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