Political maps

The Greater Idaho Movement: Redrawing the United States Map?

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

When we think of the United States map, we often picture its familiar outline with 50 states. But what if that map could change? A fascinating movement in Oregon is challenging our perception of state boundaries and highlighting the complex cultural and political geography within states.

The “Greater Idaho” movement has been gaining traction in eastern Oregon, where several counties have voted to leave Oregon and join neighboring Idaho. This shift would significantly alter the United States map, creating a new border between the two states.

Counties that Voted to Leave Oregon and join Idaho (2020 - 2024)

This map shows the results of county votes between 2020 and 2024 on whether to leave Oregon and join Idaho. The color coding reveals a clear east-west divide:

  • Dark Red/Orange: Counties overwhelmingly voting to leave (70-80% support)
  • Light Orange: Counties supporting the move by 50-60%
  • Blue: Counties voting to stay in Oregon (50-60% opposed)
  • White: Counties that didn’t vote or had no measures on the ballot

By July 2024, thirteen Oregon counties had approved ballot measures supporting the Greater Idaho concept: Baker, Crook, Grant, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Union, Wallowa, and Wheeler.

But why would these counties want to redraw the United States map? The reasons stem from a growing urban-rural divide that encompasses political, economic, and cultural factors. Eastern Oregon is predominantly conservative, and many residents feel increasingly disconnected from the liberal policies emanating from the state’s urban centers, particularly Portland. This political misalignment goes hand-in-hand with economic concerns, as rural residents often feel their interests are overlooked in favor of urban priorities. The desire for greater local autonomy is strong, with many believing that Idaho’s governance would better understand and support their rural lifestyle and needs. These interconnected issues have fueled a sense of alienation from Oregon’s state government and a growing affinity with neighboring Idaho’s more conservative political landscape.

It’s crucial to note the population disparity. While the map shows large areas wanting to leave, these counties are sparsely populated. For example, Lake County, shown in the darkest red, has only 8,160 residents. In total, the counties voting to leave represent about 237,000 people – just 5.6% of Oregon’s population.

If the Greater Idaho movement succeeded, it would reshape the United States map significantly. While the movement is still ongoing, it has already made considerable progress.

As the video reports, Crook County has become the 13th Oregon county to approve a measure supporting the idea of moving the Oregon-Idaho border. This growing support demonstrates the momentum behind the Greater Idaho movement, even as significant obstacles remain.

This development would decrease Oregon’s population by about 5.6% while increasing Idaho’s by roughly 12%. However, it’s important to note that redrawing state lines is a complex process requiring approval from both state legislatures and the U.S. Congress – making it a significant challenge to implement these changes, regardless of county-level support.

The Greater Idaho movement isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s part of a bigger picture of changing political and cultural landscapes across America. While our official United States map might look the same year after year, the reality on the ground is always shifting. We’ve seen similar ideas pop up elsewhere too – like talks about splitting up California or those times when some Texans start grumbling about going it alone. These movements show us that even in 2024, state lines aren’t as set in stone as we might think.

For those interested in exploring these geographical and political dynamics further, here are some relevant resources available on Amazon:

These books offer fascinating insights into the cultural, historical, and political forces that have shaped – and continue to shape – the United States map.

While the Greater Idaho movement may or may not succeed in redrawing state lines, it serves as a powerful reminder of the complex tapestry of identities and interests that make up the American landscape. As we look at the United States map, we’re encouraged to see beyond the lines and consider the diverse communities and viewpoints that exist within each state.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
kiwieie
kiwieie
4 months ago

Its real life lore

1
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x