JACKSON, Miss. - Gov. Phil Bryant says if Mississippi voters are going to consider removing the Confederate battle emblem from the state flag, 2016 would be a good time to do it.

Republican Bryant says Thursday that he's not pushing for change, but he recognizes the flag is getting lots of debate.

He says there's typically a large voter turnout during presidential election years, and that would give plenty of people a chance to express a preference on a flag. So far, no alternative design has been offered.

The University of Mississippi and Bryant's alma mater, the University of Southern Mississippi, removed the flag from campus this week because of the Confederate symbol that many see as divisive.

Several Mississippi cities and counties have also furled the state flag in recent months.