The Maine Flag Design Contest Winner Named, Now It’s Up To Voters

A Maine State Flag design contest that saw entries from around the world is over, and the winner is from right here in the Pine Tree State.

The Design First Proposed By the State Came Under Criticism

It's been an issue that's divided residents ever since Maine first proposed changing its state flag. The current flag is blue, with the state's coat of arms. Many, myself included, have thought it's a little impersonal and doesn't say anything about our state.

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So when it was proposed that the flag be redesigned to mimic the 1909 flag, I was supportive. That is until I saw the design that was originally proposed. I wasn't alone when I felt the tree in the design seemed a bit juvenile and not representative of the magnificent pine trees that grace our landscape.

So Secretary of State Shenna Bellows decided to hold a contest, encouraging people to submit their designs. The over 400 submitted designs were narrowed down to ten finalists, and a winner was chosen by a panel that included lawmakers, members of the Secretary of State's Office, and others.

The Winning Design Was Created By a Resident of Maine

The winning design created by Adam Lemire of Gardiner will be the model design for the potential new flag. Lemire says he is 'honored and excited' to have his design chosen.

For my submission, I thought it appropriate to select Maine's state tree, the Eastern White Pine. The design is based on those I observed in Capital Park and Viles Arboretum while on walks with my three-year-old son.

Lemire explained that his design has 16 branches because there are 16 counties in Maine.

Voters Will Decide Whether to Change From the Current Flag Design Later This Year

Now, Lemire's flag design will be put to voters as Question 5 on the ballot in November. It will read as follows:

Question 5: An Act to Restore the Former State of Maine Flag, Do you favor making the former state flag, replaced as the official flag of the State in 1909 and commonly known as the Pine Tree Flag, the official flag of the State?

Residents will cast their votes during the November 5th, 2024 election.