A growing rift between rural and urban communities in Illinois has driven seven pro-Trump counties to vote in favour of exploring a split from the state's political and economic hub, Cook County, which encompasses Chicago. Residents in Iroquois, Calhoun, Clinton, Green, Jersey, Madison, and Perry counties backed a ballot measure to investigate the feasibility of creating a new state, signalling an intensifying desire for representation that aligns with their rural and conservative values.
"Shall We Split?" The Secession Question
The ballot question presented to voters was straightforward yet impactful: "Shall the board of (the county) correspond with the boards of other counties of Illinois, outside of Cook County, about the possibility of separating from Cook County to form a new state and to seek admission to the Union as such, subject to the approval of the people?" This query passed in all seven counties, reflecting widespread frustration among rural communities who feel their voices are often drowned out by the urban influence of Chicago.
According to NBC Chicago, these results follow a pattern, with around two dozen counties across Illinois previously voting for similar exploratory measures in recent years. Supporters argue that state policies heavily influenced by Cook County do not adequately represent the needs or values of the rural populace, who lean heavily towards conservative views on issues such as gun rights, agricultural regulations, and business policies.
Why the Secession Movement is Gaining Momentum
Secessionist supporters point to numerous issues where they feel rural interests are neglected. Iroquois County, for instance, voted overwhelmingly in favour of exploring the secession option, with nearly 73% of voters backing the idea, according to Fox59. Other counties, like Calhoun and Jersey, saw support for secession at over 76%. Madison County, the largest in this movement with a population of 265,000, saw a narrower margin of approval at 56.5%.
The push for secession in these counties also reflects a political divide. Most of these areas are strongly pro-Trump, and residents feel that Illinois' progressive governance—driven largely by Chicago—clashes with their conservative ideals. Local advocacy groups like New Illinois, which support this movement, argue that a new state would allow for governance more in line with rural and conservative principles. Their end goal is a state where these rural priorities take centre stage, free from what they perceive as Chicago's disproportionate influence on state policies, per International Business Times.
Legal and Political Hurdles
Despite the strong local support, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has made it clear that the proposal is unlikely to lead to immediate action, noting that Illinois' constitution and election code do not grant non-home-rule counties the authority to secede. "Any referendum on the issue of county secession would have no binding legal effect," Raoul explained.
Secession from Illinois would also require approval from both the state and U.S. Congress, a high bar that any secession movement would struggle to meet. Nevertheless, advocates see the ballot results as a symbolic victory and a way to signal their dissatisfaction with Illinois' governance, which they feel largely caters to urban interests.
The Growing Divide Between Rural and Urban Illinois
The recent votes underscore a deeper political and cultural divide between Illinois' urban centres and its rural areas. Secessionists argue that state policies shaped by Chicago's priorities fail to address vital issues for rural communities. This sentiment is not unique to Illinois but reflects a broader trend in the U.S., where rural voters in states with major urban centres feel underrepresented in policy-making.
What's Next for the Secession Movement?
While these votes won't result in an immediate separation, they have encouraged discussions on governance and representation across Illinois. For rural residents, these non-binding referendums serve as a form of protest against what they perceive as an urban-dominated government that ignores their needs. The recent votes may not lead to the creation of a new state, but they serve as a potent reminder of the divide within Illinois—and a call for more balanced representation across the state.
