Since the reelection of President Barack Obama, the petitions section of Whitehouse.gov has played host to a succession of secessionist requests to withdraw from the union, including one from New York State.

Started by Steven E. of Endicott, the petition requests that the federal government:

Allow New York to Secede from the United State Goverment peacefully and allow it to form it's (sic) own government

So far the petition is well below the 25,000 signatures needed for official consideration by the Obama administration.

At least two people from Utica are among the signatories, Frank L. and Greg S.

Similar efforts are underway in other states including Wyoming.

[Whitehouse.gov]