Residents in 11 Illinois counties and several townships are preparing to vote on a non-binding referendum about separating from Cook County and forming a new state. Supporters say Chicago and Cook County exert too much influence over state laws and policies affecting downstate communities. The proposed effort would rely on a constitutional process requiring approval beyond local voters. The referendum is intended to measure public interest rather than immediately change Illinois’ borders.

The movement is being led by Loret Newlin, director of Illinois Separation, who says residents outside the Chicago area believe their concerns are frequently overlooked. Supporters have cited transportation costs, criminal justice policy and differences between urban and rural communities as reasons for considering separation.

November referendum tests support for separation

The proposed vote is scheduled for November in 11 Illinois counties and several townships. Voters will be asked whether they support exploring separation from Cook County, which includes Chicago, and creating a new state from Illinois communities outside the county. The measure is non-binding, so it would not itself alter state boundaries or begin an automatic separation.

Newlin said the vote is designed to determine whether residents want officials and organizers to pursue the idea through the constitutional process. The effort reflects frustration among residents who believe state government does not adequately represent areas beyond the Chicago region.

Supporters argue Chicago dominates state policy

Supporters say the political and population weight of Chicago and Cook County gives the area disproportionate influence over statewide decisions. Newlin argued that laws are often developed with Chicago and Cook County interests in mind, while rural and downstate communities receive less consideration.

“Our area is not taken into consideration when laws are being made,” Newlin said.

The proposed breakaway region would include counties outside Cook County, although the final boundaries and structure of any new state would require further political and legal action. Organizers describe the referendum as an attempt to give residents a formal way to express whether they want that discussion to continue.

Transportation tax concerns fuel rural opposition

Newlin pointed to a proposed per-mile tax for drivers as an example of a policy she believes could affect downstate residents more heavily than Chicago residents. The proposal was introduced by state Sen. Ram Villivalam, whose district includes part of Chicago.

Opponents say rural residents, farmers and truckers often travel greater distances for work, commerce and essential services. They also argue that downstate residents have fewer public transportation alternatives than people living in Chicago. Newlin said a similar proposal was defeated in 2019 but has returned for consideration.

Criminal justice disagreements deepen political divide

The SAFE-T Act is another major point of opposition for the separation movement. Signed into law in 2021 by Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, the law eliminated cash bail and created a system allowing judges to decide whether defendants should be detained or released while awaiting trial.

Newlin criticized the law and said she believes it favors defendants accused of crimes. She also linked the debate to broader concerns about public safety and policy decisions associated with Chicago. The law’s effects and implementation have remained part of the political disagreement between Chicago-area leaders and many downstate residents.

Constitutional hurdles remain before any new state

The separation campaign cites Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, the provision used in the creation of West Virginia in 1863. That process provides a constitutional framework for forming a new state from territory within an existing state, but it requires approval from the affected state legislature and Congress.

The governor has opposed the separation proposal, and a spokesperson for JB Pritzker previously dismissed the effort as a stunt that would not succeed. The governor and Ram Villivalam were contacted for comment. Regardless of the November result, any attempt to create a new state would face substantial legal, legislative and congressional obstacles.

Summary

The November referendum will offer residents in participating Illinois counties a way to register their views on separating from Cook County. It cannot create a new state, but a strong result could encourage organizers to pursue the constitutional process. The campaign remains driven by concerns about political representation, transportation policy and criminal justice, while opposition from state leaders and the constitutional requirements make separation a distant and uncertain prospect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will Illinois residents vote on?

Residents in 11 counties and several townships will vote on whether they support exploring separation from Cook County and forming a new state. The referendum is non-binding.

Why do supporters want separation?

Supporters say Chicago and Cook County have too much influence over state government and that downstate residents are overlooked in decisions involving taxes, transportation and criminal justice.

Can the referendum create a new state?

No. Creating a new state would require action under Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, including approval from the affected state legislature and Congress.

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