A growing movement in Illinois sees multiple counties voting on non-binding referenda to secede from the state, primarily driven by dissatisfaction with Chicago's political and cultural influence, crime rates, and cost of living.
Momentum is building in Illinois for numerous counties to secede and potentially form a new state, primarily fueled by dissatisfaction with Chicago's oversized influence. This year, eleven counties are set to hold non-binding referenda on leaving, which, if approved, would bring the total to 44 out of the state's 102 counties that have already backed similar measures. Thirty-three counties, including Iroquois and the 8th most populous Madison County, have already voted in favor of separation. Critics from other parts of the state frequently cite Chicago's crime rate, high cost of living, Democratic leadership, and its disproportionate impact on state politics as reasons for their desire to separate. Loret Newlin, director of Illinois Separation, stated that state leadership often disregards concerns from other regions, emphasizing, "We are ignored. We are not taken into consideration when they’re making a lot of the laws that hurt us." Organizers believe these votes are more than just symbolic, aiming to send a clear message to Springfield and Cook County. The group's plan for creating a new state is based on Article IV of the U.S. Constitution, which was used to create West Virginia. This process would require approval from both the Illinois General Assembly and the U.S. Congress. Despite the growing support, Governor JB Pritzker has previously dismissed the movement as a "stunt."
