Decision day: Magnolia or shield for new Mississippi flag?

One of five final designs for the new Mississippi state flag flutters in the breeze, outside the Old Capitol Museum in Jackson, Miss., Aug. 25, 2020, in Jackson, Miss. In late June, Mississippi legislators voted to retire the last state flag to include the Confederate battle emblem, which is broadly condemned as racist. All five were flown outside the museum for viewing. The Mississippi State Flag Commission narrowed their choices to two flags, of which this is one. They will reconvene in September to make their final choice. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

by: Nexstar Media Wire and The Associated Press

Posted: Sep 2, 2020 / 07:37 AM EDT

Updated: Sep 2, 2020 / 07:37 AM EDT

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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A commission is choosing a single proposal to replace a state flag that Mississippi retired because the old banner had the Confederate battle emblem that was widely seen as racist.

One of the top designs up for consideration Wednesday has a shield. The other has a magnolia.

The recommendation will go on the November ballot. If voters accept the design, it will become the new state flag.

If they reject it, the design process will start again. And Mississippi will remain a state without a flag for a while longer.

Legislators retired the old flag under pressure two months ago amid the backdrop of widespread protests over racial injustice.