The 2001 Legislature put on the ballot a binding resolution requesting voters to choose whether they would prefer the old flag be kept or replaced with a new design. The vote for the old flag was 64 percent. Many flag-change supporters are reluctant to have another state vote. Governor Tate Reeves, as well as many legislators, insist that the flag should never be altered unless it is voted for by the people. Chism stated that support for the flag changing is clearly growing, but despite the fact that there has been no polling to suggest otherwise, he believes it would still be difficult to change the flag through an election. Respondents 65 years and older supported the old flag by a huge 62 percent to 25% margin. All other age groups supported changing the flag by a 52 to 41 percent margin. The old flag is supported by self-identified Republicans by 81 percent and 11 percent respectively, while Democrats support replacing it by a 74% to 17% margin. A new flag is preferred by independents 54% to 32%. Black Mississippians support changing the flag at 84%. Chism stated that both sides are passionate about this issue, and there is a significant age gap. “Champions of current flag are mostly white senior citizens, hardcore Republican voters, who turn out in greater numbers than younger voters, Democrats, and independents who largely favor new flag,” Chism said. People who support the current flag claim that the banner is part of the state’s history._x000D