Action sets up delay of ban
Jump to full article: Sioux Falls (SD) Argus-Leader, 2009-06-26
Author: STEVE YOUNG
Intro: Opponents of an expanded smoking ban that was to begin July 1 have enough valid signatures to delay its implementation and put the issue on next year's November election ballot, South Dakota's secretary of state said Thursday.
But neither side is convinced that it's headed to a vote yet.
Secretary of State Chris Nelson said his office randomly sampled 5 percent - or 1,270 - of the roughly 25,000 signatures turned in Monday. Based on that review, some signatures were thrown out. But the percentage that passed muster, extrapolated out for the entire number turned in, led them to certify 18,320 valid signatures, Nelson said.
To get on the ballot, smoking ban foes needed 16,776 signatures.
Ban supporters to review petitions
Jennifer Stalley, South Dakota government relations director for the American Cancer Society, said a group of ban supporters is making copies of each petition and will review all signature to ensure their validity. It has until 5 p.m. July 2 to do do.
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