Several Illinois counties are pursuing a peaceful split from Cook County (home to Chicago) through a nonbinding referendum that has gained significant traction. The Illinois Separation Referendum has passed in all 33 counties where it has appeared on the ballot, representing nearly one-third of the state’s 102 counties.

Two main groups are leading these efforts: Illinois Separation and New Illinois. Both organizations aim to create a new state separate from Cook County, though they emphasize this is not secession from the United States. Illinois Separation focuses on passing ballot measures, while New Illinois concentrates on building infrastructure and has established 33 committees representing 43 counties.

The movement stems from rural residents feeling disenfranchised by Cook County’s Democratic representatives, who control the state legislature and advance policies that often conflict with downstate Illinois’s more conservative values. While Illinois appears blue on election maps, supporters argue it’s actually a red state with concentrated pockets of blue in high-population areas.

Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker has expressed disappointment with these efforts, stating “We’re one state.” However, separation advocates clarify they’re not trying to expel anyone but rather seeking to form their own state while leaving “Old Illinois” intact.

The movement reflects broader nationwide urban-rural divides exacerbated by the 1964 Supreme Court’s “one person, one vote” ruling. Similar movements exist in California, Oregon, Colorado, New York, and Minnesota. While the U.S. Constitution allows for splitting states, it hasn’t happened since West Virginia separated from Virginia in 1863.

Critics, including John Shaw from the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, dismiss these efforts as “political theater” driven by anger and frustration rather than facts. They argue downstate Illinois would struggle without Chicago’s economic engine. However, supporters counter that freedom from Illinois’ estimated $156 billion debt burden could actually benefit both regions.

Read more: Two-state solution? Illinois Separation movement keeps up unbeaten streak at ballot box

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