A significant development in the quest for regional self-determination has emerged from Oregon, as Crook County voters passed Measure 7-86, also known as the “Greater Idaho” measure. With a majority vote of 53 percent, Crook County has become the 13th county to express a clear desire to break away from Oregon and join the Republican-governed state of Idaho. This move highlights the growing divide between rural, conservative regions and their increasingly liberal state governments.
Matt McCaw, Executive Director of the Greater Idaho movement, made a powerful statement following the vote, asserting there was no longer any excuse for Oregon’s Legislature or Governor Tina Kotek to disregard the people’s expressed wishes. He emphasized the need for immediate dialogue and action from state leaders to respect the democratic will of eastern Oregonians. McCaw’s call for discussions on governance changes and legislative hearings on potential border adjustments underscore the seriousness of this grassroots movement.
The Greater Idaho movement has gained momentum as voters in various Oregon counties, including Baker, Morrow, Sherman, Union, Lake, Grant, Harney, Klamath, Wheeler, and Wallowa, have passed similar measures. If the movement succeeds, Oregon’s border will shift approximately 200 miles westwards, creating a significant geopolitical reconfiguration. The movement’s website specifies that its goal includes redrawing the border to incorporate 14 full counties and 3 partial counties from eastern Oregon into Idaho.
Achieving this objective is a complex process that requires approval from both Oregon and Idaho state legislatures and the United States Congress, as mandated by Article I, Section 10 and Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution. These constitutional requirements ensure that any changes to state borders are thoroughly vetted and reflect the will of the people and their elected representatives.
The rationale behind the Greater Idaho movement is rooted in the stark political and cultural differences between eastern Oregon counties and the state’s urban centers. With voting records indicating a strong conservative lean in southern and eastern Oregon, proponents argue that these regions would be better represented under Idaho’s governance. This sentiment reflects broader frustrations with state policies perceived as being out of touch with rural and conservative values.
As this story unfolds, it captures the essence of liberty and the right of communities to seek governance that aligns with their beliefs and values. The Greater Idaho movement is not just a political maneuver but a profound expression of self-governance and regional identity. This issue will undoubtedly remain a focal point in the ongoing discussion about state and local governance, federalism, and the balance of power between different levels of government.
The push for eastern Oregon counties to join Idaho exemplifies the broader phenomena where local populations feel alienated by state policies and seek alternatives that better reflect their way of life. This could set a precedent for other regions across the United States experiencing similar tensions. As such, it remains critical for state and national leaders to address these divisions earnestly and constructively, honoring the principles of liberty and self-determination that are foundational to the American republic.