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Greater Idaho movement

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As of July 2024, thirteen counties in Oregon (shown in red) had approved ballot measures in favor of Greater Idaho.

The Greater Idaho movement is an effort in the United States for counties east of the Oregon Cascades[1] to secede from the state of Oregon and join Idaho.[2][3][4] It is primarily led by conservative dissatisfaction with the liberal lean of a small but more heavily populated region of Oregon, driven by the Portland area and other cities in the Willamette Valley; proponents argue that the rural eastern counties have more in common with Idaho, and aren't adequately represented in Oregon's state politics.

For this change to be accomplished legally, under current laws it would require approval by local voters via ballot measures, followed by approval from the state legislatures of both Oregon and Idaho, as well as the federal Congress.[5][6]

As of July 2024, thirteen counties in Oregon had approved ballot measures in favor of Greater Idaho: Baker, Crook, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler.[7][8]

Background and rationale

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Results map of the 2020 United States presidential election in Oregon
Results map of the 2022 Oregon gubernatorial election
Results map of the 2024 United States presidential election in Oregon

Eastern Oregon is relatively rural and conservative, compared to the more heavily populated and politically liberal north-western corner of Oregon. Those same north-western urban areas have a majority in the Oregon Legislative Assembly. Idaho is largely conservative compared to Oregon, motivating some conservatives in eastern Oregon to advocate for relocating the border.[9] Oregon governor Tina Kotek acknowledged the movement in 2023 saying, "I think there are a lot of Oregonians who are frustrated and don’t feel heard. That, I think, is what the movement is about."[10]

Per Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution:

New States may be admitted by the Congress into this Union; but no new States shall be formed or erected within the Jurisdiction of any other State; nor any State be formed by the Junction of two or more States, or parts of States, without the Consent of the Legislatures of the States concerned as well as of the Congress.

A number of state laws differ dramatically between Oregon and Idaho.[11] Abortion access is starkly different, with Idaho banning nearly all abortions while Oregon imposes no legal restrictions. Tax policy is different, as Idaho charges a 6% sales tax, while Oregon does not impose a state sales tax. Minimum wage differs between the two states, too. Drug laws differ, as like most of the West, Oregon has legalized recreational marijuana, while Idaho still criminalizes possession. The Idaho state legislature opposes the rise of marijuana dispensaries in eastern Oregon serving customers from the Boise metro area; by moving the border further west, it would increase the travel time to the nearest dispensaries.[9]

Timeline

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In 2020, the group called "Move Oregon's Border for a Greater Idaho" proposed breaking off most of Oregon's area and some of Northern California and join it with Idaho. In 2021, five counties in eastern Oregon voted to "require county officials to take steps to promote" adding the counties to Idaho.[12] As of May 2024, thirteen counties in Oregon had approved ballot measures in favor of Greater Idaho: Baker, Crook, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler.[13][14]

In May 2022, voters in Douglas and Josephine counties rejected proposals to join, causing the proponents to scale back the scope of the proposal and issue a "less ambitious" map that excludes Southern Oregon west of Klamath County. The reduced scope includes only Oregon’s eastern territory save for small portions of Deschutes and Wasco counties. The latest map only covers about one third of the originally targeted areas. The majority of the remaining inhabitants live in Umatilla County, which is home to Hermiston and Pendleton, the two largest cities in the region.

In February 2023, the House State Affairs committee of the Idaho House of Representatives approved a resolution to authorize the legislature to discuss moving the state border with Oregon lawmakers.[15] This was subsequently passed by the Idaho House of Representatives.[16] A similar bill was introduced in the Oregon State Senate; Senate President Rob Wagner stated that it was unlikely that the bill would move forward in the 2023 session.[17] In May 2023, Wallowa County approved a ballot measure in favor of Greater Idaho by just seven votes.[18][19]

As of February 2024, Gilliam County and Umatilla County have yet to entertain the concept on the ballot.[20]

On May 21, 2024, Crook County voted in favor of Measure 7-86 advising the Crook County Court that voters supported continued negotiations regarding relocating the Oregon–Idaho border to include Crook County within the Idaho border.[21][22] This makes it the 13th county in Oregon that has passed a similar ballot measure resulting in the majority of Counties in the proposed Greater Idaho map having voted in favor. A measure repealing the Malheur County ordinance that requires Malheur County Court to meet three times a year on moving the Oregon–Idaho border was rejected in the November 2024 elections.[23][24] In Baker County, where similar meetings on the Oregon-Idaho border are held every year, a measure allowing the commissioners to hold meetings only when deemed necessary was also rejected.[24]

Countywide votes in Oregon to secede and join Idaho
Date County Support Oppose Ballot
measure 		Ref.
No. % No. %
November 3, 2020 Douglas 26,981 43.32% 35,297 56.68% 10-180 [25]
November 3, 2020 Jefferson 5,757 50.90% 5,553 49.10% 16-96 [26]
November 3, 2020 Union 7,435 52.40% 6,753 47.60% 31-101 [27]
November 3, 2020 Wallowa 2,478 49.59% 2,519 50.41% 32-003 [28]
May 18, 2021 Baker 3,346 57.49% 2,474 42.51% 1-104 [29]
May 18, 2021 Grant 1,471 62.15% 896 37.85% 12-77 [30]
May 18, 2021 Lake 1,510 74.64% 513 25.36% 19-35 [31]
May 18, 2021 Malheur 3,059 54.13% 2,592 45.87% 23-64 [32]
May 18, 2021 Sherman 430 62.32% 260 37.68% 28-46 [33]
November 2, 2021 Harney 1,583 63.22% 921 36.78% 13-18 [34]
May 17, 2022 Douglas 16,791 47.37% 18,659 52.63% 10-185 [35]
May 17, 2022 Josephine 13,619 48.70% 14,344 51.30% 17-106 [36]
May 17, 2022 Klamath 9,649 57.00% 7,278 43.00% 18-121 [37]
November 8, 2022 Morrow 2,386 60.7% 1,546 39.3% 25-88 [38]
November 8, 2022 Wheeler 472 58.56% 334 41.44% 35-29 [39]
May 16, 2023 Wallowa 1,752 50.10% 1,745 49.90% 32-007 [40]
May 21, 2024 Crook 5,086 53.44% 4,432 46.56% 7-86 [41]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Phase 2 Greater Idaho maps - the Greater Idaho movement". Archived from the original on December 18, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
  2. ^ Cureton, Emily (February 24, 2020). "Some Oregonians Want To Leave And Take Part Of The State To Idaho With Them". NPR. Washington, D.C. Archived from the original on February 25, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  3. ^ Perry, Douglas (February 17, 2020). "Ballot-initiative effort to move eastern Oregon counties to Idaho gains momentum; leader calls it 'peaceful revolution'". The Oregonian. Portland, Oregon. Archived from the original on February 26, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  4. ^ Merzbach, Hanna (November 9, 2020). "Movement to form 'Greater Idaho' gains steam as two rural Oregon counties vote to consider joining Idaho". KGW8 News. Archived from the original on November 10, 2020. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  5. ^ Sahakian, Teny (November 18, 2020). "Rural Oregon counties vote to discuss seceding from state to join 'Greater Idaho'". Fox News. Archived from the original on November 19, 2020. Retrieved November 19, 2020.
  6. ^ "Idaho lawmakers hear pitch to absorb three-fourths of Oregon". The Oregonian. Associated Press. April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on March 8, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  7. ^ Sierra, Antonio (November 9, 2022). "Greater Idaho ballot measures pass in two more Oregon counties". OPB. Archived from the original on February 18, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  8. ^ Stites, Sam (May 24, 2022). "Greater Idaho movement scales back plan for Oregon annexation". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original on April 3, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2024. The May 17 losses caused leaders to issue the 'less ambitious' map as part of what they called 'phase 1' of their project. The reduced scope includes only 15 counties representing roughly 386,000 Oregonians, a little more than a third of the original map's 900,000 in population. According to backers, the area outlines 64% of Oregon's landmass but just 9% of its population.
  9. ^ a b Kirk Siegler (April 1, 2023). "State line pot shops latest flashpoint in Idaho-Oregon border debate". NPR. Archived from the original on April 28, 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
  10. ^ Ferrara, John Ross (February 28, 2023). "Proposed 'Greater Idaho' movement would consume 3 of Oregon's 7 Wonders". KOIN.com. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  11. ^ Clark Corbin, Idaho Capital Sun (February 16, 2023). "Greater Idaho resolution passes Idaho House; calls for talks with Oregon over moving border". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on March 24, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  12. ^ Perry, Douglas (May 19, 2021). "More Oregon counties vote to consider joining Idaho, part of rural effort to 'gain political refuge from blue states'". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on March 31, 2023. Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  13. ^ Sierra, Antonio (November 9, 2022). "Greater Idaho ballot measures pass in two more Oregon counties". OPB. Archived from the original on February 18, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  14. ^ Stites, Sam (May 24, 2022). "Greater Idaho movement scales back plan for Oregon annexation". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original on April 3, 2023. Retrieved April 15, 2024. The May 17 losses caused leaders to issue the 'less ambitious' map as part of what they called 'phase 1' of their project. The reduced scope includes only 15 counties representing roughly 386,000 Oregonians, a little more than a third of the original map's 900,000 in population. According to backers, the area outlines 64% of Oregon's landmass but just 9% of its population.
  15. ^ Dawson, James (February 13, 2023). "Greater Idaho push moves to House floor". Boise State Public Radio. Archived from the original on February 13, 2023. Retrieved February 14, 2023.
  16. ^ Corbin, Clark (February 15, 2023). "Idaho House passes nonbinding measure calling for formal 'Greater Idaho' talks". Idaho Capital Sun. Archived from the original on March 8, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  17. ^ Plante, Aimee (February 15, 2023). "Idaho passes bill to discuss Greater Idaho border relocation". KOIN.com. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  18. ^ Moreno, Lisa (May 19, 2023). "7 votes divide Wallowa County on Greater Idaho measure". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on May 21, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  19. ^ Kornick, Lindsay | The (June 18, 2023). "Wallowa County became the 12th Oregon county to join the "Greater Idaho" movement when special election results on the measure were finalized Tuesday". Foxnew.com. Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  20. ^ Vasilogambros, Matt (September 6, 2023). "An eastern Oregon effort to join Idaho reflects the growing American divide". Washington State Standard. Archived from the original on October 1, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  21. ^ Staff, Central Oregon Daily News (May 21, 2024). "Crook County voters approving Greater Idaho measure". Central Oregon Daily. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  22. ^ "Crook County, Oregon, Measure 7-86, Greater Idaho Measure (May 2024)". Ballotpedia. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  23. ^ Caldwell, Pat (September 10, 2024). "Measure makes Malheur County ballot to end meetings on Idaho border move". Malheur Enterprise. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
  24. ^ a b Pittman, Travis (November 6, 2024). "2 Oregon counties reject measures to dial back 'Greater Idaho Movement' meeting rules". Central Oregon Daily News. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
  25. ^ "Official Final Results Summary: Douglas County General Election". Douglas County Oregon. November 20, 2020. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  26. ^ "State of Oregon Abstract of Votes". Jefferson County, Oregon. November 19, 2020. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  27. ^ "Union County Board of Commissioners: Special Meeting Minutes" (PDF). Union County, Oregon. February 14, 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  28. ^ "Wallowa County, Oregon: General Election" (PDF). Ballotpedia. November 3, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  29. ^ "Custom Table Report: Baker County Special District Election" (PDF). Baker County, Oregon. June 3, 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  30. ^ "Election Results - Abstract of Votes". Grant County, Oregon. April 4, 2023. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  31. ^ "Lake County, Oregon: Special District Election" (PDF). Revize. May 20, 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  32. ^ "Special District Election Results" (PDF). Malheur County, Oregon. June 2, 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  33. ^ "Sherman County Nilay 2021 Special District Election" (PDF). Sherman County, Oregon. June 2, 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 8, 2022. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  34. ^ "Official Abstract of Votes" (PDF). Harney County, Oregon. November 17, 2021. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  35. ^ "Official Final Results: Douglas County, May17, 2022 Primary Election". Douglas County, Oregon. June 8, 2022. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  36. ^ "Statement of Votes Cast: May 17, 2022, Primary Election: Josephine County, Oregon" (PDF). Revize. June 10, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  37. ^ "Statement of Votes Cast by Geography: Klamath, Primary, May 17, 2022". Klamath County, Oregon. June 10, 2022. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  38. ^ "Morrow County November 2022 General Election" (PDF). Morrow County, Oregon. December 2, 2022. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  39. ^ "Wheeler County 2022 General Election". Box. December 1, 2022. Archived from the original on May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  40. ^ Oregonian/OregonLive.com, Nick Gibson | The (June 7, 2023). "Greater Idaho movement wins Wallowa County by 7 votes, avoids recount". oregonlive. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  41. ^ Staff, Central Oregon Daily News (May 21, 2024). "Crook County voters approving Greater Idaho measure". Central Oregon Daily. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
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