Non-binding vote on Illinois state split set for November

MADISON COUNTY, Ill. – By a vote of 15-7, the Madison County Board voted in favor of sending a non-binding referendum to voters in November. County voters will be asked if they want to separate from Cook County to form a new state.

Even if the non-binding referendum is approved, there will be no separation. The vote is not legally binding. Supporters of putting the issue before voters believe it’s an opportunity for them to let their representatives know how they feel.

There are efforts to examine separating from Cook County. Other Illinois counties have passed similar resolutions. The group, Illinois Separation Referendum, believes Chicago’s dense population has led to unequal representation for the rest of the state.

“As a taxpayer, I don’t feel downstate Illinois is fairly represented,” Madison County resident Dave Stopher said.

Board member Alison Lamothe voted no. She said downstate benefits economically because it’s part of a state that includes Cook County.

“The distribution of wealth in this state is in our favor and numbers don’t lie,” Lamothe said.

Other concerns raised during Wednesday’s board meeting include how much thought and research has gone into the costs of a separation.

Supporters believe the non-binding referendum gives voters a voice.

“This does not make the state split happen,” said Loret Newlin, Illinois Separation Referendum volunteer. “We have to have the state legislature vote and the federal government vote.”

“This is the worst resolution to be brought to the full board in my 26 years on this county board,” Michael Holliday, 8 ^th district board member, said.

Stopher said supporters are not asking for separation from the state, but rather an opportunity to share their opinion by voting.

“That’s all we’re asking,” he said. “This is an opinion poll.”

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