Illinois residents have launched a movement to create a new 51st U.S. state by seceding territories outside Chicago. NBC Chicago reported on October 26 that 33 Illinois counties have already supported the proposal for a consultative referendum on creating a separate state, with similar votes scheduled in 11 additional districts on November 3 during midterm elections.
If the initiative gains approval, it would secure support from 44 out of 102 districts. The movement seeks to separate regions outside Cook County, where Chicago is located, arguing that current state authorities fail to address the needs of residents in non-urban areas when making decisions.
Loret Newlin, head of the Illinois Separation organization, told NBC Chicago: “This is our life experience. We are being ignored. Our opinion is not taken into account when passing many laws that harm us.”
The movement has expanded beyond rural southern Illinois and gained support in other parts of the state, including Iroquois County where 73% of voting participants endorsed the initiative. Consultative referendums do not automatically result in secession from Illinois.
