MACOUPIN COUNTY – Macoupin County voters are asked to share their opinion on whether the county should explore separating from Cook County to form a new state apart from the Chicago area.
The county-wide advisory question, which has no binding legal effect and is only meant to gauge public opinion, appears on the ballot along with a few contested Macoupin County Board races for the Nov. 3, 2026 general elections.
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Multiple candidates are competing for a handful of open County Board seats across four districts.
In District 2, two candidates are seeking one open seat. These include incumbent Republican Derek Spudich and Democrat challenger Tom Ament.
One Democrat and two Republicans are competing for two open board seats in District 5, including incumbent Republican Larry Schmidt, Republican William Heyen and Democrat Kimberly Rossini.
Two board seats are open for District 7, where Democrat Nancy M. Bitner is challenging two incumbent Republicans, Bernard C. Kiel and James Ibberson.
In District 8, Independent candidate Eleanor (Young) Harms is challenging two incumbents, Republican Harry Starr IV and Democrat Robert “Tony” Wiggins, for their two open seats on the board.
Uncontested Races
County Clerk Pete Duncan and County Treasurer Lillian Amber McGartland are both running unopposed in their bids for re-election.
For County Sheriff, Republican Ryan Dixon is running unopposed to replace current Sheriff Shawn Kahl, who is not seeking re-election.
Uncontested County Board races include District 1, where two Republicans are seeking two open seats. These include incumbent board member Holly Klausing and candidate Joe Bateman.
For Districts 3 and 6, two incumbent Republicans are seeking re-election in each district. Kristi Dunnagan and John P. Trevino Sr. are seeking re-election to their District 3 seats, while Aaron Stayton and Leann Barr are running for re-election in District 6.
County-Wide Ballot Proposition
County-wide New State Advisory Question: Shall the board of Macoupin County correspond with the boards of the other counties of Illinois outside of Cook County about the possibility of separating from Cook County to form a new state, and to seek admission to the Union as such, subject to the approval of the people?
Local Ballot Propositions
Proposition To Create Special Ambulance Service: Should a Special Service Area to provide ambulance service be created in the same area as Medora Ambulance Service so those residents pay property taxes for the service at a rate of .103%?
Article continues after sponsor messageCity Of Staunton Proposition To Arrange For Supply Of Electricity: Shall the municipality have the authority to arrange for the supply of electricity for its residential and small commercial retail customers who have not opted out of such a program?
Bunker Hill Fire Protection District Proposition To Increase Limiting Rate: Shall the limiting rate under the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law for the Bunker Hill Fire Protection District, in Macoupin County, Illinois and Madison County, Illinois be increased by an additional amount equal to .18% above the limiting rate for the purpose of fire department operations for levy year 2026 and be equal to .43097% of the equalized assessed value of the taxable property therein for levy year 2026?
A specimen ballot for Macoupin County voters is available here. Early voting runs until Nov. 2, 2026, with more information available here.
Stay tuned to Riverbender.com for the latest local results from Election Night on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
