Need a distraction? Something creative, yet cerebral? In the mood to channel your inner Betsy Ross? You are in luck, because there is a virtual poll to gather feedback on a new flag design for Howard County’s future flag!
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced the Howard County Flag Commission has launched a virtual poll to gather public feedback on its top 10 chosen designs. The public submitted testimony at a Sept. 30 hearing, the commission held two work sessions in October, and 184 eligible design submissions have been narrowed to the 10 seen in the virtual poll.
Votes can be cast from now until midnight on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
Participants are asked to rank the 10 flag designs in order, with one being the favorite and 10 being the least favorite. Voters are limited to one poll submission and must rank all 10 options. Participants can also share additional feedback they may have about the flag designs, including what they like, dislike, or suggestions on modifications.
“After thoughtful consideration, the Howard County Flag Commission has advanced 10 unique and compelling design options for additional public input,” Ball said. “I encourage every resident of Howard County to provide their thoughts on these proposed flags to help us identify the designs that best reflect our values today and inspire generations to come.”
Based on the poll results, the top five designs will be reviewed by the Commission, who will select its top three finalists. The County Executive will select his top choice from the final three, which will be presented to the Howard County Council for legislative approval. The top three flag designers will each receive a $1,000 honorarium for their work.
The Howard County Flag Commission was established by executive order in January 2024, charged to conduct a public design process to create a new official Howard County flag. Designs were submitted via an online portal between April 1 and June 30, with people of all ages invited to submit up to three original designs. Each design required a brief narrative accompanying it to describe how its symbolism, colors, and appeal represents Howard County.
“We are thankful for the considerable engagement from the public throughout this process so far and thrilled to be able to share the Commission’s top 10 designs with our residents,” said Coleen West, Chair, Flag Commission and Executive Director, Howard County Arts Council. “We hope that members of our community will share their voices over the next two months in order to help the Commission finalize its recommendations in the new year.”
To learn more about the Howard County Flag Commission, its upcoming meetings and the redesign process, visit this link. For questions or comments about the flag design and selection process, email this address.
