‘Greater Idaho’ measure passes in 13th Oregon county
- Conflicting views on crime, social policies divide urban, rural groups
- Secession plan would shift Oregon's eastern border 200 miles west
- Crook County voters passed the measure at 53%
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(NewsNation) — Residents in Crook County, Oregon, approved the “Greater Idaho” measure Tuesday that would require the county to proceed with efforts to secede from the state and join Idaho.
Voters passed the measure with 53%, making it the 13th county in eastern Oregon to approve it.
“The voters of eastern Oregon have spoken loudly and clearly about their desire to see border talks move forward. With this latest result in Crook County, there’s no excuse left for the Legislature and Governor to continue to ignore the people’s wishes,” Greater Idaho Executive Director Matt McCaw said in a statement.
Conservative residents in eastern Oregon have been ready to part ways with their liberal neighbors to the west, looking to secede from the state and join Idaho.
Conflicting views on crime and social policies have created a large divide between the bigger cities and rural areas, sparking efforts to secede.
If the counties are successful in seceding, Oregon’s border would shift 200 miles west, according to the measure.
“The Oregon/Idaho line was established 163 years ago and is now outdated. It makes no sense in its current location because it doesn’t match the location of the cultural divide in Oregon,” the movement said on its website.
