The movement to split Illinois into two is gaining traction with some voters answering that question on their ballot on election day.
Loret Newlin, Director of Illinois Separation, the group pushing for voters to have a say on whether to break away from Chicago and Cook County, says the organization has secured a non-binding referendum on ballots in 11.5 counties, including several townships.
Newlin says many downstate residents feel their communities are overlooked and points to Illinois' estate tax as one example, arguing the tax puts an added burden on the state's farmers.
The measure is non-binding. Any effort to form a new state would require support from participating counties, followed by the Illinois General Assembly and Congress.
