MAINE, USA — Maine will keep its current flag design after voters rejected a proposal to restore the original "pine tree" flag in Tuesday's election.
Question 5 on the ballot asked residents if they wanted to replace the current flag with a more historical version. See the results of that ballot initiative here.
The current flag design, in place for more than a century, is blue and features the state seal at the center, showcasing a farmer and sailor representing Maine’s heritage.
The pine tree flag, which features a green pine tree and the north star on a tan background, was Maine's original state flag when it was adopted in 1901. It was replaced a few years later by the current design but has seen a resurgence in recent years, appearing on everything from storefronts and front porches to T-shirts and other merchandise.
The proposed pine tree flag design that was voted on was chosen from a pool of more than 400 submissions in a contest hosted by the secretary of state's office.
Voter Ricky Conant shared his preference for keeping the existing flag, telling NEWS CENTER Maine, "I like the state flag that we currently have today."
However, not everyone felt the same. Some Mainers, like Jose Peralta, were eager for a return to tradition. Peralta voted early in support of the pine tree flag, noting his fondness for its simplicity and historic ties.
"I guess I’m a little bit of a history buff," Peralta said.
For some, the decision on the flag's design also provided a learning opportunity. Voter Erik Thomas told NEWS CENTER Maine he used the choice as a chance to teach his kids about the voting process, letting them decide which flag design to support. Thomas shared that both of his children chose to keep the current flag, though he said they didn’t offer specific reasons for their choice.
