Minnesota's new flag reveals sharp generational and political divides
64% of Republicans see Minnesota's new flag negatively vs. 23% of Democrats, with sharp divides by race & age, a statewide probability survey of 3,399 adults finds.
The snapshot: Minnesotans' views on the new state flag reflect deeper divides about identity and representation, offering a window into who feels represented by one of the state's key symbols, according to a Minnesota Community Survey of 3,399 adults conducted July 20-Nov. 22, 2024.
Key findings:
- 42% of Minnesotans view the new flag negatively, while 29% react positively and 29% feel neutral
- Younger Minnesotans, Democrats, plus Black, Latino, and Asian Minnesotans are more likely to embrace the flag
- Older Minnesotans, White Minnesotans, Republicans, and Greater Minnesota residents are more likely to feel negative about the flag
The landscape: Minnesota adopted its new state flag in May 2024, replacing a design that dated back to 1893. The old flag faced criticism for depicting a Native American riding away as a white settler plowed the land, imagery many viewed as celebrating the displacement of Indigenous peoples.
About this Minnesota Community Survey
Survey type: Mail-to-online survey with address-based sampling
Respondents: 3,399 Minnesota adults
Field dates: July 20 to Nov. 22, 2024
Our extended field period ensures we reach a representative sample of Minnesotans, not just the quickest responders.
Margin of error: ± 2.2 percentage points
Languages: English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali
Our terminology page has definitions of income tiers, racial and ethnic groups, education levels and geographic regions.
QUESTION WORDING
ASK ALL
Minnesota has a new official state flag that looks like this:
[PROGRAMMING NOTE: INSERT PHOTO OF FLAG]
How would you describe your reaction to the new flag?
1. Strongly positive
2. Positive
3. Neither positive nor negative
4. Negative
5. Strongly negative
