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

Voters in seven southern Illinois counties will decide in November whether to form a new state called "New Illinois."

The counties are Alexander, Edwards, Gallatin, Hardin, Massac, Pope and Pulaski. If the measure passes, the new state would be the 51st state in the United States.

The movement to create a new state in southern Illinois has been gaining momentum for several years. Supporters of the movement say that the region has been neglected by the state government in Springfield and that a new state would allow the region to better control its own affairs.

Opponents of the movement say that it would be a costly and divisive process to create a new state. They also argue that the new state would be too small and economically unviable.

The vote on the new state will be held on November 8, 2023. If the measure passes, the new state would be created on January 1, 2025.