Out with the old state flag, or in with the new for Maine?

The new state flag design (that Mainers will decide to keep or reject) is close to the one Maine used to have from 1901 to 1909. It has a pine tree in the center of a plain background, along with a blue star.

Maine secretary of state office
Maine Secretary of State office
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The Bangor Daily News says that this design is the winner from over 400 submissions from 42 states and a few countries. It's from designer and architect Adam Lemire of Gardiner. FUN FACT: If you count the branches, there are 16. Adam said he did one for each county.

It's very close to the actual Maine flag from 1901, but more modern and artistic.

By w:User:DevinCook - w:File:Flag of Maine 1901.svg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6274688
By w:User:DevinCook - w:File:Flag of Maine 1901.svg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6274688
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Why are we messing with the Maine flag?

Our current Maine flag has a lot of critics. Most say that it's indistinguishable from other state flags. As you've noticed, the simple design of the pine tree and star has taken over thanks to the Maine Flag Co. That design with the more modern pine tree and star came in second in the contest.

GettyImages
GettyImages
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Mainers decide which flag to have on November 5, 2024

When we go to the polls in November, the flag referendum will be Question 5 (there are some bond issues and a question about capping contributions to PACs). There will be no picture of the new or old flag, so take a good look at the old and new designs before you decide.

Will you keep with tradition or move to represent Maine in a new (yet old) way?

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