In hopes of unifying Minnesotans on a new state flag, State Representative Bjorn Olson (R-Fairmont) is sponsoring legislation that would allow Minnesotans to vote on the new flag design that has been approved by the Minnesota State Emblems Redesign Commission.
“The Secretary of State claims allowing Minnesotans to vote yes or no on our new flag is unconstitutional,” Olson said. “In a democracy there is always an avenue to give people the right to vote, and a way to take it away. I believe Minnesotans not only should have but want the right to vote on whether this new flag represents them.”
After hearing the Secretary of State’s opinion, Olson said he contacted both partisan and non-partisan researchers, who came up with several legal ways that would make the process constitutional and put the flag design up for a vote this November.
“If the majority of Minnesotans votes yes on this design, then no further state action is needed and our work is complete,” Olson said. “If a majority votes no, then we would start the process over.”
Olson said a recent analysis found that roughly 75% of Minnesotans have some level of dissatisfaction over the process to create a new state flag or the final product itself.
“Minnesotans deserve a choice,” Olson said. “My legislation gives people the power to decide if this flag best represents them and all Minnesotans. Every person has that right, and every person should have their voice heard.”
Olson said he is also authoring a bill that would adjust the state seal, as the current version violates the provision in state law that notes "no one person or community may be represented." Other legislation would help local governments pay for the cost of implementing the new state flag and seal, and honor our retired state flag in an appropriate way.