Smoking ban referendum short by 221 signatures

July 24, 2009

South Dakota: On Thursday, July 23, Secretary of State Chris Nelson said that supporters of the South Dakota Smoking Ban Referendum had fallen short of their signature goal by 221 signatures and that, as a result, he would not certify the measure for the ballot.

Opponents of a smoking ban passed by the South Dakota State Legislature earlier this year had attempted to collect enough signatures to force the ban to a public vote. The legislative act banned smoking in bars, Deadwood casinos and video lottery establishments.

Ban opponents are now expected to file a lawsuit challenging Nelson's determination of insufficient signatures.

• Number of signatures required: 16,776
• Number of signatures filed: 25,400
• Number of signatures said by Secretary of State to be invalid: 8,845

See also

* South Dakota 2010 ballot measures

• South Dakota Smoking Ban Referendum (2010)