Hancock County votes yes on New Illinois
HANCOCK COUNTY, Ill. (KHQA) — Hancock County voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to separate from the state of Illinois and to form its very own state.
The county isn't alone in voting yes on the measure.
Counties in other parts of Illinois did the same thing.
A group called "New Illinois" visited those counties last month to rally support.
They argue most of the political and economic decisions made in Illinois are based on needs in the Chicago area and aren't in line with the needs of downstate Illinois.
A Quincy University professor, however, said the chances of that actually happening are slim.
"The ability of the state to separate by itself is impossible," Dr. Justin Coffey said. "Only the House and Senate can vote for a new state."
Coffey said the last time a state separated to form a new state was during the Civil War. That's when West Virginia separated from the state of Virginia.
