10 Illinois Counties Say They Want Concealed Carry

Residents in some rural counties have sent a message to Illinois lawmakers: Legalize the right to carry concealed weapons.

Measures supporting concealed carry passed overwhelmingly in 10 counties where they were on Tuesday's ballot — Adams, Bond, Henry, McDonough, Mercer, Randolph, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stephenson and Warren.

The votes were non-binding because local law cannot override state law. But advocates say they hope to build pressure on lawmakers to support concealed carry.

Illinois is the last state where carrying concealed weapons is entirely illegal.

The Illinois House last year defeated a bill that would have legalized concealed weapons, but the vote was close.

Gov. Pat Quinn has promised to veto any bill that would legalize concealed weapons and pushed for a ban on assault weapons earlier this year.