CROOK COUNTY, Ore. — A total of 13 eastern Oregon counties have voted in favor of being absorbed into Idaho.
Crook County residents voted Tuesday on a measure that would allow the county to join the Greater Idaho movement. The movement seeks to move the Oregon-Idaho border to incorporate parts of eastern Oregon into the Gem State, specifically 14 full Oregon counties and three partial ones. As of Wednesday afternoon, the measure in Crook County is set to pass, making it the 13th county to join the movement.
Although the measure is on track to pass, votes won't be certified in Crook County until June. If the measure does pass, it doesn't mean the move would automatically happen; rather, it would show both state legislatures and Congress that voters support 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," said Matt McCaw, the executive director of the Greater Idaho movement. "We call on the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President to sit down with us and discuss next steps towards changing governance for eastern Oregonians, as well as for the legislature to begin holding hearings on what a potential border change will look like."
Crook County joins 12 other eastern Oregon counties that have already passed a measure in support of moving the border: Baker, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Union, Wheeler and Wallowa.
In 2023, the Idaho legislature passed a measure to begin conversations with Oregon lawmakers about making the move.
WATCH RELATED: Wallowa County voters respond to 'Greater Idaho' ahead of May election
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