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Nebraska Initiative Measure 420, Create Gaming Commission and Casino Regulation Initiative (2004)
| Nebraska Initiative Measure 420 | |
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| Election date |
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| Topic Gambling policy |
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| Status |
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| Type Initiated state statute |
Origin |
Nebraska Initiative Measure 420 was on the ballot as an initiated state statute in Nebraska on November 2, 2004. It was defeated.
A "yes" vote supported amending the state constitution to create a state gaming commission and allow communities to authorize games of chance and the use of gaming devices at casinos, racetracks, and establishments that sell alcoholic liquor on the premises. |
A "no" vote opposed amending the state constitution to create a state gaming commission and allow communities to authorize games of chance and the use of gaming devices at casinos, racetracks, and establishments that sell alcoholic liquor on the premises. |
Election results
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Nebraska Initiative Measure 420 |
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| Result | Votes | Percentage | ||
| Yes | 353,248 | 47.22% | ||
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394,865 | 52.78% | ||
Text of measure
Ballot title
The ballot title for Initiative Measure 420 was as follows:
| “ | Shall a statute be enacted which: (1) permits communities to authorize (A) all games of chance at casinos in hotels near the border in metropolitan class cities, (B) the use of gaming devices at casinos, strategic premises where at least 250 of such devices are operated, and racetracks, and (C) the use of limited gaming devices at casinos, strategic premises, racetracks and establishments which sell alcoholic liquor for consumption on the premises; (2) establishes the numbers of such casinos and gaming devices which may be operated in various locations; and (3) establishes a Nebraska Gaming Commission to regulate such gaming. [ ] For [ ] Against | ” |
Ballot summary
The ballot summary for this measure was:
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A vote FOR will enact a statute which permits communities to: (1) authorize all games of chance including slot machines, table games, counter games or card games at casinos in hotels in metropolitan class cities within 2 miles of the Nebraska border; (2) authorize the use of electronic, mechanical or other gaming devices at casinos, strategic premises where at least 250 of such devices are operated, and racetracks; and (3) authorize the use of limited gaming devices which do not dispense currency or tokens and which do not have a cash winnings hopper, mechanical or simulated spinning reels or a side handle at casinos, strategic premises, racetracks and establishments which sell alcoholic liquor for consumption on the premises. The statute will also establish the numbers of such casinos and gaming devices which may be operated in various locations and establish a Nebraska Gaming Commission to regulate such gaming. A vote AGAINST will not cause such a statute to be enacted. | ” |
Full Text
The full text of this measure is available here.
Path to the ballot
An initiated state statute is a citizen-initiated ballot measure that amends state statute. There are 21 states that allow citizens to initiate state statutes, including 14 that provide for direct initiatives and nine (9) that provide for indirect initiatives (two provide for both). An indirect initiated state statute goes to the legislature after a successful signature drive. The legislatures in these states have the option of approving the initiative itself, rather than the initiative appearing on the ballot.
In Nebraska, the number of signatures required for an initiated state statute is equal to 7% of registered voters at the signature deadline. Nebraska also has a distribution requirement that requires initiative proponents to collect signatures from 5% of the registered voters in two-fifths (38) of Nebraska's 93 counties. A simple majority vote is required for voter approval. However, the number of affirmative votes cast for the measure must be greater than 35% of the total votes cast in the election.
See also
External links
Footnotes
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State of Nebraska Lincoln (capital) |
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