Illinois Counties Vote on Seceding to Form New State
Dozens of Illinois counties will hold non-binding referenda in November 2026 to explore separating from the state due to the political influence of Cook County.
Between 11 and 12 Illinois counties, including Adams, Piatt, and Gallatin, will hold non-binding referenda on November 3, 2026, to explore separating from the state. This movement, led by the organization Illinois Separation, seeks to address grievances from residents in central, western, and southern Illinois who believe Cook County and Chicago exert disproportionate influence over state priorities.
If these upcoming votes pass, the number of counties supporting the exploration of separation would rise to 44 or 45 out of 102. This follows a November 2024 vote where 33 counties, primarily in the southern region, approved similar advisory measures. Neighboring states have already reacted to the movement; Indiana established the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Committee to manage potential border changes, and Iowa introduced a bill to absorb seceding counties.
JB Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois, has dismissed the effort as a "stunt," stating "It’s not going to happen." Attorney General Kwame Raoul has also opined that non-home-rule counties lack the legal authority to secede. Under Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, any formal separation or creation of a new state requires the consent of both the Illinois General Assembly and the U.S. Congress.
