Horse racing initiative appears headed to ballot

The Save Idaho Horse Racing campaign says it has gathered 114,815 signatures to put a ballot initiative on the November general election ballot.

The initiative would amend Idaho code to allow for historical horse racing. It would also add a section authorizing historical horse race betting at certain locations where live or simulcast parimutuel horse race betting occurs. The initiative specifies that horse race terminals would not be considered slot machines. It also outlines legal agreements for the distribution of revenue.

“This first phase of the campaign has shown the depth and breadth of support and goodwill that we Idahoans have always had for horse racing, which has long been part of our state’s economy and heritage,” said Bruce Newcomb, former Speaker of the House and campaign chairman. “Tens of thousands of people told our petition circulators and volunteers that they’ve been saddened by the absence of horse racing and can’t wait for its return. Folks are also counting on the many jobs that horse racing generates to come back to Idaho.”

Newcomb said he was confident voters would support the initiative in November.

According to the campaign, 56,192 signatures, representing 6 percent of 2016 general election voters, must be validated by county clerks. The petitions were required to include at least 6 percent of voters in 18 different legislative districts.