More Illinois counties vote on non-binding secession referenda amid anti-Chicago sentiment
Eleven additional Illinois counties are set to hold non-binding votes on separating from the state, adding to the 33 counties that have already done so.
Eleven more counties in Illinois will conduct non-binding referenda on whether to break away from the state, joining a prior tally of 33 counties that have passed similar measures. The movement is driven by resentment toward the perceived dominance of Cook County and Chicago in state politics, as well as worries about crime rates and the direction of Democratic leadership. Illinois Separation, the group behind the effort, claims that lawmakers routinely ignore the needs of non-Cook County residents when crafting legislation.
Creating a new state would require approval from both the Illinois General Assembly and the U.S. Congress under Article IV of the Constitution. Governor JB Pritzker has dismissed the votes as a stunt, but organizers say the initiative is gaining momentum and sends a clear message of dissent.
Why it matters
The votes highlight deep regional divides in Illinois and could pressure state lawmakers to address out-of-city concerns.
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