The state is getting closer and closer to raising a new flag.
The Illinois Flag Commission has selected ten finalists for a state-wide flag redesign contest, according to Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
"Having received nearly 5,000 entries, I appreciate the creativity and passion reflected in all submission," Giannoulias said. "
Public voting starts in January and the flag commission will report its findings and recommendations to the Illinois General Assembly by April 1st.
After that, the Illinois General Assembly will decide whether to adopt a new flag ... keep the current one ... or return to a previous iteration of the flag.
You can cast your vote next year by going to www.ilsos.gov/stateflag.