By Salma El-Sakka
Momentum is building in Illinois as more counties prepare to vote on leaving the state, driven by dissatisfaction with Chicago's political and economic influence. Eleven additional counties are scheduled to vote on non-binding referenda this year to secede from Cook County, which is home to Chicago.
Growing Movement for a New State
If the upcoming votes pass, they will join 33 counties that have already approved similar non-binding measures to leave. This would bring the total to 44 out of Illinois' 102 counties seeking separation. Critics of Chicago’s dominance frequently cite high crime rates, the cost of living, and the disproportionate influence of Democratic leadership on state politics as primary reasons for the movement.
Organizers Seek Constitutional Path
Loret Newlin, director of Illinois Separation, stated that current state leadership ignores the concerns of residents outside of Cook County. The movement aims to follow Article IV of the U.S. Constitution, a process previously utilized to create West Virginia. For the secession to become reality, the Illinois General Assembly must approve the departure of the counties, followed by approval from the U.S. Congress.
Diverse County Support
The movement is expanding beyond southern Illinois. While Iroquois County saw 73 percent of voters back the proposal, Madison County—the state's eighth most populous—also approved the measure in 2024. Organizers suggest this inclusion proves the movement represents a broad geographic coalition rather than just a regional southern concern. Meanwhile, Governor JB Pritzker has dismissed the movement, characterizing the efforts as a stunt.
