Seven Counties to Vote on Forming 'New Illinois' Without Cook County This Election

Voters in seven Illinois counties will decide whether to form a new state called "New Illinois" that would exclude Cook County.

The "New Illinois" movement is led by a group of conservative activists who argue that Cook County, which is home to Chicago, has too much power in the state government. They say that a new state would allow the other counties to have more control over their own affairs.

Opponents of the "New Illinois" movement say that it would be a disaster for the state. They argue that it would lead to higher taxes, lower services, and a weaker economy.

The seven counties that will vote on the referendum are:

• Bond
• Clinton
• Edwards
• Marion
• Richland
• Wayne
• White

If the referendum passes in all seven counties, the "New Illinois" movement will begin the process of creating a new state. The new state would be the 51st state in the United States.

The referendum is non-binding, which means that the state legislature is not required to act on the results.

However, if the referendum passes in a majority of the seven counties, it would send a strong message to the state legislature that the people of those counties want to form a new state. It would be high pressure on the state legislature to take action.

The "New Illinois" movement is the latest in a series of secessionist movements in the United States.

In recent years, there have been similar movements in California, Texas, and other states. These movements are often driven by political and ideological differences between rural and urban areas.

It is unclear whether the "New Illinois" movement will be successful. However, it is a sign of the growing divide between rural and urban America.

Here are some additional facts about the "New Illinois" movement:

• The movement was founded in 2020 by a group of conservative activists.
• The group has collected over 100,000 signatures in support of the referendum.
• The referendum will be on the ballot in the seven counties on November 8, 2022.
• If the referendum passes in all seven counties, the "New Illinois" movement will begin the process of creating a new state.
• The new state would be the 51st state in the United States.