MT. VERNON (WSIL) -- Voters in Jefferson County overwhelmingly approved a referendum to separate the rest of Illinois from Chicago and Cook County.
The ballot question asked if Jefferson County should coordinate with other Illinois counties, except Cook, to form a new state.
More than 5,000 people voted yes.
The Jefferson County Board approved putting the question on the ballot in August. County leaders felt that southern Illinois residents were outnumbered by those in Cook County and often misrepresented.
Yes 5,048 74%
No 1,769 26%
