Photo Credit: Public Record / Old And New Minnesota State Flag
(ELK RIVER, MN.) - Since its adoption in 2024, the new Minnesota State Flag has seen a fair amount of controversy. The flag ‘not representing Minnesota’ has been a hot topic for two years, but many towns are taking the talk a bit further, including Elk River.
Following similar moves by multiple cities, including Champlin, Zumbrota, and Plainview, city officials voted Apr. 6, to fly the 1983-issued flag instead of the new one. At the forum pertaining to the flag, several Elk River residents spoke up in support of using the old flag, while others felt the new one should be used as a show of respect for statewide decisions. But was it a statewide decision?
Video Credit: YouTube
Many citizens in Minnesota don’t see it that way, as the State Emblems Redesign Commission (SERC) managed the design of the new flag.The design process included allowing public submissions, input on designs, and voting. Despite this, the SERC modified the final design, it wasn’t selected by those who voted on it.
Switching back to the old flag doesn’t create fiscal issues, but it may be costly if the cities who have switched back decide to replace the new state seal with the older one. While this could be done gradually, it isn’t pressing. There’s no real reason they can’t continue to use the new seal and fly the old State flag.
Some State Officials say cities that have decided to fly the old flag are resisting an unfunded mandate, but this is a bit of a stretch as currently only state-run facilities have to use the new flag. Most residents of the State don’t care either way, noting that a city can fly either flag, or both, noting the issue isn’t life-or-death and simply escalates the existing flag conflict, which could end in further division of the state.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org and leave a comment with your thoughts below.
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