BENTON – It appears the issue of alcohol sales will be back to the ballot this summer as members of the VOTE YES group confirm unofficially, that they have gathered more than the required amount of petition signatures needed to hold a special election.
The last time the issue was taken to the ballot, only 2,100 signatures were needed compared to the number needed this time – 3,366. The variance between the two is the result of a higher voter turnout in the last general election. According to KRS, a petition must be signed by a number of constitutionally qualified voters equal to 25 percent of the votes cast in the last preceding general election. In this case, that number was 13,463.
Randy Newcomb, Director of the Kentucky Lake Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, reports thus far, the VOTE YES group has collected approximately 3,600 signatures. He said all but 100 or so have been verified. Newcomb said it would likely be the end of the week before the process would be complete.
Once all of the signatures are verified, the County Judge Executive will set the date for the special election which must be held within 90 days. Organizers say they are hopeful to see it held on July 21 or 28, which would prevent school disruption at a later date.