11 Illinois counties will vote on separating from the state

By the numbers: Voters in 33 of Illinois' 102 counties have already approved similar nonbinding referendums.

• If all 11 counties approve the measures on Nov. 3, that number would climb to 44, or 43% of the Illinois counties.

State of play: Eleven of the latest referendums are being organized by Illinois Separation, a group that argues downstate communities have little say in policies largely shaped by Chicago and Cook County.

Zoom out: As Axios previously reported, the movement has also attracted interest in Chicago's suburbs, where another organization, New Illinois, has held meetings promoting a potential split.

The intrigue: Indiana lawmakers seized on the downstate discontent, offering to welcome Illinois counties that want to leave the state.

• Last year, Indiana established a commission to explore redrawing the state's boundaries, although Illinois has declined to participate.

Reality check: The referendums are advisory and wouldn't actually divide Illinois. Any boundary changes would require approval from the Illinois General Assembly and then Congress.

What's next: Voters will weigh in Nov. 3, potentially expanding the number of counties formally expressing support for exploring separation.