Illinois counties to vote on whether to explore seceding from state

Voters in three Illinois counties will decide in November whether to hold non-binding referendums on whether to explore seceding from the state.

The referendums are the result of a petition drive by the Illinois Secession movement, which argues that the state is too large and diverse to be governed effectively.

The movement has gained traction in recent years, particularly in rural areas of the state that feel neglected by the state government.

The three counties that will hold the referendums are:

• Mercer County
• Henderson County
• Warren County

If the referendums pass, the county boards in those counties will be required to appoint a commission to study the feasibility of secession and report back to the boards within one year.

The commissions would be tasked with examining the legal, financial, and logistical challenges of secession, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks.

The referendums are non-binding, meaning that the county boards would not be required to follow the recommendations of the commissions.

However, the results of the referendums could put pressure on the state government to address the concerns of rural residents.