11 More Illinois Counties to Vote on Proposals to Separate From Cook County
The non-binding measure would ask voters whether Macoupin County should explore leaving Cook County, as 11 more Illinois counties consider similar referenda.
- On November 3, 2026, Macoupin County voters will decide whether the county should explore separating from Cook County to form a new state through a non-binding advisory referendum.
- Led by the group Illinois Separation, 33 of Illinois' 102 counties have already passed similar non-binding referendums, driven by frustration with Chicago's influence on state policy and governance.
- Proponents rely on Article IV of the U.S. Constitution, which was used to create West Virginia during the Civil War; successful separation requires approval from both the Illinois General Assembly and the U.S. Congress.
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, has dismissed the separation movement as a 'stunt' and stated it is 'not going to happen,' signaling strong official opposition to the effort.
- Eleven additional counties are set to vote on similar measures this November, potentially bringing the total to 44 of the state's 102 counties as the movement expands beyond rural areas.
22 Articles
22 Articles
Frustrated Illinois residents seek to redraw state map in bid to break free from Chicago
Frustrated Illinois residents are pushing to separate from Cook County and Chicago to form a new state, citing laws like the per-mile tax that hurt rural residents and truckers.
Downstate Counties to Vote on Non-Binding Measure to Split From Cook County
Eleven Illinois counties and several townships will vote on a non-binding November referendum asking whether to separate from Cook County and form a new state, a push driven by downstate frustration over issues like a proposed per-mile driving tax and the SAFE-T Act.
Frustrated Illinois residents seek to redraw state map in bid to break free from Chicago - NEW YORK TIMES POST
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Frustrated Illinois residents are pushing to break away from Chicago and form a new state, driven by what the movement’s leader calls growing resentment over the city’s influence on the rest of Illinois. Loret Newlin, director of Illinois Separation, which is leading the push to let voters [...]
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