Resolution To Add Referenda on November 3, 2026 General Election Ballot for Separation from Cook County WHEREAS, the Illinois Election Code provides that any public question authorized by statute shall be initiated in accordance with 10 ILCS 5/28-1 and 5/28-5; and, WHEREAS, the McDonough County Board recognizes that the influence of a legislature dominated by Cook County does not align with many of our local values, and; WHEREAS, a number of McDonough County citizens feel that the political and economic conditions that currently exist throughout the entire State of Illinois have become over burdensome and counter to a significant amount of the Illinois populace and, WHEREAS, the Board has become aware of an effort to begin discussions regarding the possibility of separating from Cook County, and; WHEREAS, the Board seeks direction from McDonough County citizens on whether to participate in these discussions, which will include research regarding the financial implications of separation, and; WHEREAS, an advisory referendum would not make the split happen, but would be an important first step, by assessing the will of the people and informing local, state, and federal officials; THERFORE, be it hereby resolved that the following advisory question be forwarded to the McDonough County Clerk to be placed on the ballot for the General Election to be held on November 3, 2026.
