Illinois counties to hold nonbinding separation votes in 2026

Eleven Illinois counties are scheduled to hold nonbinding referenda during the 2026 election cycle to explore the possibility of separating from the state to form a new entity. The counties participating include Piatt, Coles, Henderson, McDonough, Warren, Macoupin, Monroe, Washington, Hamilton, Saline, and Gallatin, with several townships in Adams County also holding similar votes.

If all eleven measures pass, the number of Illinois counties that have approved such advisory referenda would increase from 33 to 44. Organizers, led by Loret Newlin of the advocacy group Illinois Separation, state that the movement is driven by the belief that state leadership ignores the concerns of residents in these areas.

These votes are advisory and do not have the power to change state borders independently. Under Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, the formation of a new state requires the consent of the existing state legislature as well as the U.S. Congress. Previous support for similar measures includes a 73% approval rate in Iroquois County and a successful measure in Madison County.