Odds On Racing - Harness Racing

Anti-slots Petition Falls Short

January 30, 2010

A petition to force a vote on Gov. Ted Strickland's since-shelved plan for slot machines at racetracks fell short of the required number of valid signatures, the secretary of state's office said today.

The petition by LetOhioVote.org had 214,301 valid signatures, which is 27,065 short of the minimum needed to put the slots-at-racetracks plan to a November vote, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner's office said late today.

LetOhioVote.org, which has not disclosed its funding sources but is led by three conservative activists, submitted 325,496 signatures to Brunner's office in late December. After county election boards filtered out invalid signatures, the petition was left with 214,301.

Today's announcement by Brunner's office isn't the final word on the challenge. LetOhioVote.org still has 10 days to gather additional signatures to make up the shortfall. Also, Brunner's office could toss additional signatures if it determines that they were collected by convicted felons.

LetOhioVote.org had no immediate reaction to Brunner's announcement.

Strickland shelved his plan for video slot machines at the seven racetracks after the Supreme Court ruled that it was subject to a public referendum.

But Strickland said earlier today that he might revive the idea to alleviate future budget shortfalls.