Seven Illinois counties vote to secede; explore joining neighboring states

Residents in seven Illinois counties have voted to secede, seeking a change that could potentially redraw state borders. The counties involved are Iroquois, Calhoun, Clinton, Green, Jersey, Madison, and Perry. This movement reflects broader dissatisfaction within 33 Illinois counties that wish to leave the state.

The proposal has sparked interest from Indiana lawmakers. Indiana House Republicans introduced House Bill 1008 to create a commission for examining the feasibility of these changes. "The ballot question posed to Illinois voters in the November election alluded to 'the possibility of separating from Cook County to form a new state or to seek admission to the Union as such,'" said Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston.

This potential shift is driven by several factors, including political and economic considerations. While Illinois leans Democratic, with most residents living in the Chicago area, these rural counties hold Republican values and seek alignment with neighboring states like Indiana or Missouri.

Indiana officials have highlighted tax differences as a motivation for this move. Huston stated: "To all of our neighbors in the West, we hear your frustrations and invite you to join us in low-cost, low-tax Indiana." He emphasized that their intentions are not to cause friction with Illinois.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker countered this sentiment by asserting: "The idea that some place in Illinois wants to kick out another place in Illinois should not be on the ballot."

However, transitioning between states involves complex legal processes. G.H. Merritt from New Illinois explained that constitutional approval is necessary from both state legislatures and Congress before any changes can occur.

Similar movements have emerged elsewhere in the U.S., such as counties in Oregon wanting to join Idaho and efforts in California for forming New California State.

House Bill 1008 remains under review by Indiana's Government and Regulatory Reform Committee as discussions continue on this contentious issue.