Ballot Initiative To Change State Flag Launched

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – A new effort seeks to remove the Confederate battle emblem from the Mississippi state flag. But, change could take years, and there’s no guarantee voters will accept it.

Jackson resident Sharon Brown, a self-described civil rights advocate, has filed paperwork with the state to start a ballot initiative to remove all references to the Confederacy from the state banner.

It could be days or weeks before she can start gathering signatures. Even if enough people sign petitions, the earliest her proposal could be on the ballot is 2018.

The battle emblem has been on Mississippi’s flag since 1894, and voters chose to keep it in 2001. However, the June massacre of nine black worshippers at a church in South Carolina has renewed debate about public display of Confederate symbols.