Maine Launches Contest for New State Flag Design Ahead of November Referendum

Maine state is seeking a new flag design and has announced a competition for the same.

Individuals with flag design ideas have until the end of the month to submit their proposals. The contest rules, however, outline specific guidelines, limiting the extent of creative liberty that can be exercised.

Motivation Behind the Change

Last year, Maine lawmakers approved a proposal to let the citizens determine the adoption of a new state flag. The initiative aims at having a flag that is more distinctive than the current one, which features a blue background with the state seal depicting a man standing on each side of a shield, with a moose resting under a pine tree. Notably, the existing state seal resembles those of numerous other states.

Shenna Bellows, the Maine Secretary of State, revealed on Friday the launch of the competition to select the design that will serve as the prototype for the new flag. This move precedes a scheduled November referendum on the new flag, signifying the urgency and importance of the endeavor.