The state of Indiana has taken the first step towards an unusual effort to amend its border with Illinois by establishing the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission. The commission will recommend whether to alter the border between the two states. Indiana Governor Mike Braun, a Republican, plans to sign the bill into law, with a deadline of September 1st to schedule the commission’s first meeting. This move comes as residents of some counties in Illinois seek to separate from the densely populated and Democratic-controlled Chicago area, supported by the Indiana government and residents of the affected Illinois counties.
Despite support from the Indiana government and residents of the involved Illinois counties, the plan to change state boundaries would require approval from the Illinois government and the U.S. Congress. Illinois’ top elected officials do not support the idea, with a companion bill in Illinois authorizing the state to participate in the commission not yet receiving a hearing in an Illinois House committee. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has described the Indiana measure as a “stunt.” Minor boundary changes between states are not a new idea, with at least 50 changes in U.S. history, but no major changes have been implemented since the Civil War era.
The current effort to change the border between Illinois and Indiana is driven in part by political divisions, with the Chicago area controlled by Democrats, who also control the state government due to its large population, while Republicans represent other parts of Illinois. In contrast, the Indiana government is controlled by Republicans. In the past five years, voters in 33 Illinois counties have approved ballot measures considering separation from Cook County, which includes Chicago, with the possibility of forming a new state. However, this initiative does not necessarily mean joining Indiana if given the opportunity. A similar effort is underway in eastern Oregon, where counties want to break away from the Democrat-controlled state and join Republican-led Idaho.
While the Indiana-Illinois boundary adjustment proposal is moving forward, similar efforts around the country have faced obstacles. In Oregon, where some counties want to join Idaho, measures have been stuck in committees in the state legislature. The Idaho House approved a measure allowing Oregon to enter discussions two years ago, but progress has been slow. The push for boundary changes between states has historical precedent, with counties in Virginia separating during the Civil War era to form West Virginia. The current efforts reflect ongoing political divisions and dissatisfaction with the existing state structures. Ultimately, any significant changes to state borders will require approval from the respective state governments and the U.S. Congress.
