In a rare move, Indiana’s legislature has passed a bill aimed at potentially modifying the state boundary with Illinois. This legislation establishes the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission, which is tasked with evaluating the possibility of such a border change.

Governor Mike Braun of Indiana, a Republican, is expected to sign the measure promptly, with a deadline of September 1 set to convene the commission’s inaugural meeting.

Local Support Amid Political Context

The impetus for this unusual border adjustment proposal stems from social and political dynamics within Illinois. A segment of residents from various counties, particularly those outside of Chicago’s urban sprawl, have expressed interest in detaching from the largely Democratic-controlled Chicago area, looking instead to align with Indiana, which is governed by Republicans.

Despite the support from some residents of the Illinois counties contemplating this switch, the plan faces significant hurdles. Any alteration of state borders requires both Illinois state government approval and consent from the U.S. Congress, neither of which is assured. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has dismissed the initiative, labeling it as “a stunt.”

Historical Context and Challenges

This ongoing initiative is not without precedent; since the founding of the United States, there have been at least 50 notable boundary adjustments, highlighted by the establishment of West Virginia during the Civil War. However, no major boundary changes have transpired since that period.

Political polarization plays a significant role in the current scenario. With Chicago dominating state politics, many southern and rural regions of Illinois feel underrepresented, leading to a push for separation from Cook County—a measure that, while popular in votes, does not specifically guarantee a transition to Indiana.

Parallel Movements in Other States

Indiana’s efforts echo similar initiatives in other regions, notably in eastern Oregon, where there is a push for certain counties to join nearby Idaho. In 2021, the Idaho House even passed a bill facilitating discussions with Oregon, but legislative progress on the Oregon end has stagnated.