Illinois Counties Set Advisory Votes on Separation

Illinois voters in 11 counties and several townships are scheduled to consider nonbinding questions on November 3 about exploring separation from Cook County and forming a new state. The measures would not change state borders or create a new state; they are intended to gauge support for asking officials to pursue the idea. Most ballots ask county boards to correspond with boards elsewhere in Illinois about the possibility of separating from Cook County and seeking admission to the Union, subject to approval by voters. A yes vote would be advisory, not authorization to split. The precise wording varies by jurisdiction, and Ford County has a separate question asking the state legislature to pursue separation measures. Illinois Separation, the group organizing the main effort, says 11 counties and several townships will vote this year. The counties are Coles, Gallatin, Hamilton, Henderson, Macoupin, McDonough, Monroe, Piatt, Saline, Warren and Washington. Several townships in Adams County are also expected to consider questions. Reports of the campaign describe 33 counties as having previously approved similar advisory measures; if all 11 counties approve, that tally would reach...