Gambling Challenge Too Late, Ohio Justices Rule

(CN) - The Ohio Supreme Court ruled that it is too late for gambling opponents to object to a petition for an initiative that would legalize more gambling in Ohio.

The Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee filed a petition in June that, if passed by voters, would allow casino gambling in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo.

Scioto Downs, which operates a horse-racing track in Franklin County, objected to the petition, challenging the validity of some of the signatures and addresses.

Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner ruled on July 21 that the petition had enough valid signatures to make it onto the ballot.

In a per-curiam decision, the Ohio Supreme Court justices ruled that Brunner did not have the obligation to investigate the matter further.

"The secretary of state and the boards (of election) have now completed their review of the sufficient of the petitions. They have no additional duty or authority to further investigate and invalidate additional part-petitions and signatures following the expiration of the constitutional deadline," the justices wrote.

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