In a significant political move, seven counties in southern Illinois voted to secede from the state in a recent referendum that garnered little attention on the national stage. This vote, which took place in November, saw six of the seven counties approving the measure with over 70 percent support, reflecting a growing discontent with state governance among rural residents.
The push for secession is not a new phenomenon in Illinois; it has been a recurring theme for over half a century. In the 1970s, the region known as "Forgottonia" attempted a similar secession bid, highlighting long-standing frustrations with state policies and representation. The current movement is fueled by a perception that rural areas are being neglected while urban centers, particularly Chicago, dominate political discourse and decision-making.
Economic factors play a crucial role in this discontent. Illinois has a corporate tax rate of 9.5 percent, significantly higher than Indiana’s 4.9 percent. This disparity, along with Illinois’ overall tax burden, has prompted many residents to seek a more favorable economic environment. The state has also seen a notable out-migration, with many residents relocating to states like Indiana, which recently gained 30,000 new residents.
The political landscape in Illinois has been heavily influenced by the Democratic Party, which controls all branches of state government. Critics argue that this has led to policies that favor urban areas at the expense of rural communities. This sentiment was echoed by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who dismissed the secession vote as a mere "stunt." However, some political figures, including Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, have expressed support for the secessionist efforts, indicating a potential willingness to welcome these counties into Indiana.
The secession movement in Illinois is part of a broader trend across the United States, where conservative regions in predominantly liberal states are seeking to realign politically. In Oregon, for example, several counties are attempting to join Idaho, while parts of New Mexico are looking to align with Texas. This reflects a growing frustration among conservative voters who feel marginalized by the policies of their state governments.
Legal hurdles remain significant for any secession efforts. The U.S. Constitution prohibits the formation of new states or the division of existing ones without the consent of both state legislatures and Congress. This means that even with local support, the path to actual secession is fraught with challenges.
The situation in Illinois highlights a deepening divide in American politics, where rural and urban interests increasingly clash. As these discussions unfold, they raise questions about governance, representation, and the future of state boundaries in the United States. The counties’ desire to break away signals a broader discontent that may influence political dynamics in the years to come.