“I think they’re going to love it,” declared Lt. Governor. Delbert Hosemann was one of the few people outside the Old Capitol who watched the five finalists raise a flag pole after another. The November election will offer voters the opportunity to choose whether they want a flag with a red, white, and blue striped shield, inspired by 1798’s state territorial seal, or a magnolia bloom, the official state flower, with a blue background with gold and red stripes. As required by a new law both have the words “In God we Trust” written on them. They also have a large main star with a small diamond in it. This represents the state’s Native Americans and 20 smaller stars that represent Mississippi becoming the 20th State in 1817. From thousands of submissions, the commission narrowed down the options to these two. After decades of debate, the Mississippi Legislature voted to take down the 1894 state flag and its Confederate battle emblem. It created the commission to select a new flag that would be presented to voters on the Nov. 3. ballot. The new design is up to the voters to approve or reject. If voters reject the design, they can go back to the drawing boards and present another design next year to voters. Hosemann declined to reveal his favorite finalists, or handicap whether voters would approve the final design chosen by the nine-member commission. Hosemann is the governor and House speaker. Hosemann stated, “It’s similar to (other elections), the primary races will soon be over, and voters will have an design to examine and discuss the underlying meanings and symbolism.” It will be held in conjunction with the presidential election so there will be a good turnout. Felder Rushing, a prominent horticulturist and radio host, was among those who watched the five finalists fly Tuesday. Rushing stated that they look better in person than they do on paper. This sentiment was shared by many commissioners and attendees on Tuesday. Rushing said that he supports a design featuring a magnolia flower. Before picking the final design, the commission will solicit public input and conduct online polling. READ NEXT. Reader poll results: What are your favorite flag designs? The commission has an attorney working with the finalists to ensure there aren’t copyright or intellectual propriety issues. One of Tuesday’s finalists included clip-art which could have caused a problem. The commission also instructed an attorney general’s lawyer to conduct background checks and social media checks on the designers. According to the lawyer, he had done a preliminary background check on all designers and found no criminal records. Reuben Anderson, chairman of the commission, stated that he didn’t want to be embarrassed by anyone whose background was not right for what he is doing. An angry group has begun a petition drive to restore the state flag, which was 126 years old, that featured the Confederate battle emblem prominently.