Maine will vote in November on a new state flag designed by Adam Lemire of Gardiner, whose design won a statewide contest. The design, featuring an Eastern White Pine with 16 branches representing Maine's counties and a blue star, aims to modernize the original 1901 flag. Unveiled by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, the contest attracted over 400 entries from 42 states and several countries. The new flag's design pays homage to Maine's history and the bicentennial celebration's popular stylized pine tree flag, with the current flag being criticized for its lack of distinctiveness. If approved, Lemire's design will replace the existing flag featuring the state seal. The initiative has also faced minor controversy due to similarities with a historically significant but politically charged flag design.