12 Illinois Counties To Vote On Exploring Split From Cook County

Voters in 12 Illinois counties will consider advisory questions Nov. 3 about exploring separation from Cook County and forming a new state, renewing a debate over political representation and the relationship between Chicago and the rest of Illinois.

The votes would not change state borders. Instead, they would gauge support for pursuing discussions or legislative action, depending on the county's ballot language.

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According to a map published by Illinois Separation Referendum, 11 counties will consider the group's separation question: Coles, Gallatin, Hamilton, Henderson, Macoupin, McDonough, Monroe, Piatt, Saline, Warren and Washington. The map also identifies participating townships in Adams County.

A separate advisory question in Ford County brings the countywide total to 12. The group says voters in 33 counties approved similar advisory questions between 2020 and 2024.

What Would A Yes Vote Mean?

Official election documents show differences in what voters are being asked to support.

Monroe County’s ballot asks whether its board should communicate with other county boards outside Cook County about the possibility of forming a new state and seeking admission to the United States, subject to approval by the people.

Hamilton County’s question asks about discussions with other counties, excluding Cook County, concerning a potential 51st state.

Ford County's question asks whether the Illinois General Assembly should pursue legislation and constitutional measures to separate Chicago and Cook County from the remainder of Illinois. It explicitly makes that process subject to approval by the legislature, Congress and other constitutional requirements.

Supporters Cite Interest Beyond Downstate

Loret Newlin, director of Illinois Separation, has pushed back against the idea that interest is confined to counties already pursuing referendums.

In a public Facebook post, Newlin said she had heard from people in several northern Illinois counties, including McHenry, DuPage, Boone, Lee and Bureau. She also said two Will County Board members were interested.

"Don't assume the map that is colored in is the only area that will be in the new state," Newlin wrote.

Her account describes expressions of interest, rather than formal county endorsements or agreed boundaries for a proposed state.

Public Records Document Debate

Macoupin County Board meeting minutes show how the proposal has been debated locally.

During the board's May meeting, supporter Donna Hedin cited concerns about taxes and people leaving Illinois. Lori Fuller emphasized that the referendum would express voters’ wishes without enacting separation, according to the minutes.

At the June meeting, James Cloud warned of financial and legal challenges. Eleanor Harms raised concerns that the wording could leave voters believing counties have the authority to secede.

Fuller urged the board to let voters express their opinions. The board voted 9–6 to place the advisory question on the November ballot.

What Would Creating A State Require?

Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution requires consent from the affected state legislature and Congress before a new state can be formed within an existing state. For Illinois, that means county votes alone cannot accomplish separation.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul addressed a related issue in an Oct. 17, 2023, written opinion requested by Jersey County’s state's attorney. Raoul concluded that non-home-rule counties, including Jersey County, lack authority to secede from Illinois and join another state. That opinion concerned joining an existing state, rather than creating a new one.

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich weighed in Monday during a Newsmax interview, saying he understood the frustrations behind the movement and blaming Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago's Democratic leadership. He questioned whether separation would succeed and urged voters to change political leadership instead, according to Newsmax.

Historical examples of states forming from existing states include Maine's separation from Massachusetts in 1820 and West Virginia’s statehood in 1863, during the Civil War.

For Illinois voters this November, the immediate decision is whether to support further exploration. Creating a new state would require action well beyond the ballot box.