Residents in rural areas of Illinois and Oregon are pushing for changes to state boundaries in an effort to break away from urban-dominated cities like Chicago and Portland. Supporters argue that they have more in common with neighboring states like Indiana and Idaho than with their current state capitals. In Illinois, voters in 33 counties have expressed interest in forming a new state separate from Cook County, where Chicago is located. Some Indiana legislators are open to the idea and have advanced legislation to welcome new counties from Illinois.
Similarly, residents in rural, Republican-leaning eastern Oregon are seeking to join the state of Idaho through the Greater Idaho movement. Nonbinding elections in 13 counties have shown support for the idea, but Oregon lawmakers have not taken action on proposed measures to facilitate the process.
While state boundaries have changed at least 50 times in U.S. history, major realignments like the creation of West Virginia during the Civil War have been rare. Despite the current political climate and calls for change, experts note that redrawing state lines would be a significant challenge due to the need for approval from all states involved and from Congress.
While there may be momentum in rural areas for state boundary changes, there is skepticism from state leaders. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has dismissed Indiana’s efforts as a “stunt,” while Oregon lawmakers have not advanced measures to join Idaho. Geographer Garrett Dash Nelson acknowledges the challenges of redrawing state lines, noting that there is limited political will for such a massive undertaking.
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