Sumner, Harvey counties want casino development
Marion County will tally votes Thursday
While Marion County voters await the counting of ballots, Sumner County and Harvey County voters have already decided they are in favor of a destination resort casino in their county.
Sumner County voters showed their support for a casino with 4,842 yes votes and 2,838 no votes, making 63 percent for and 36 percent against.
More than 17,000 ballots were mailedand 7,680 votes were cast, making a 45 percent return.
When the votes were tallied Friday in Harvey County, there were 6,403 who voted yes, and 6,030 no votes — a narrow margin of 51.5 percent to 48.5 percent.
More than 20,000 ballots were mailed by Harvey County officials with 12,433 completed ballots returned to the election officer. More than 3,000 ballots were returned to the county as undeliverable.
State statute does not allow ballots to be forwarded in mail-in elections.
Marion County ballots will be tallied Thursday afternoon. Ballots will be accepted in the clerk's office until noon Thursday.
The special election in all three counties are non-binding, referendum votes. Officials of the three counties are hoping these elections will confirm to legislators the desire and interest to have casino development in the state.
