(CAPITOL CITY NOW) – The Illinois Flag Commission has revealed its top 10 finalists for the state flag contest, and public voting is set to begin in January. Commission members sifted through nearly 5,000 designs and selected their top 10.

“Having received nearly 5,000 entries, I appreciate the creativity and passion reflected in all the submissions,” said Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, whose office organized the commission’s meetings.

Starting next month, Illinois residents can visit ilsos.gov/stateflag to cast their vote. Options will include the 10 new designs as well as three past state flags: the current flag, the 1918 Centennial Flag, and the 1968 Sesquicentennial Flag.

After the voting period, the commission will report its recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1, 2025. Lawmakers will then decide whether to adopt a new design, revert to a previous flag, or keep the current one.

The redesign effort stems from Senate Bill 1818, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner and State Representative Kam Buckner.

The top 10 designs can be viewed here.

PODCAST | Hear State Sen. Doris Turner talk about the Illinois Flag Commission and submissions with WTAX’s Joey McLaughlin.