Illinois

Statewide: The movement to divide Illinois

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Sean Crawford

Published July 17, 2026 at 5:36 AM CDT

There is a growing interest to split Illinois and create a 51st state. What's behind the push?

More counties will have a ballot referendum on the issue this fall. But despite what many see as a way to break away from political control based in Chicago, the chances of success at secession are extremely slim. Connor O'Neill reports.

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