ADAMS COUNTY CONSIDERING REFERENDUM ON POSSIBLE NEW STATE

QUINCY — Adams County officials are discussing whether to place a non-binding referendum on the ballot asking voters about separating parts of Illinois from the Chicago metropolitan area as part of an ongoing regional movement that has drawn both support and criticism.

During the 2024 general election, several west-central Illinois counties — including Greene, Jersey, Calhoun, and Madison counties — approved referendum questions related to separating from the Chicago region and forming a new state. While those votes were largely symbolic, they have fueled continuing discussion across parts of Illinois about the idea of reorganizing state boundaries or governance.

Adams County is now considering a similar referendum. The county board discussed the proposal and on January 13 agreed to send a proposed referendum question to Adams County State’s Attorney Todd Eyler for legal review before any potential action is taken.

The topic will also be part of a public discussion during a meeting of the Quincy Human Rights Commission scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Quincy City Hall. The meeting will examine the broader question of whether the way a society governs itself can be considered a human right.

Representatives from advocacy groups supporting separation efforts, including New Illinois and Illinois Separation Referendum, are expected to attend the meeting. Quincy University history professor Justin Coffey is also scheduled to participate in the discussion.

At the same time, officials in neighboring Indiana have begun exploring the possibility of redrawing state boundaries. In July, Indiana created the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission to study whether some Illinois counties might be incorporated into Indiana. The commission met for the first time in October without representatives from Illinois state government.

Supporters of the Illinois separation movement say their goal is to create a new state rather than join an existing one. However, many political leaders and experts say the chances of such a proposal becoming reality are extremely unlikely, noting that approval would require action by both the Illinois legislature and the United States Congress.

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