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The state's referendum to build two casinos in Northern Jersey counties (question 1) was struck down with 73% voting against.
Arguments against the amendment cited lack of specifics as cause for opposition. These concerns were acknowledged by major funders of the support campaign.
"The current political climate in New Jersey and voters' concerns about the lack of details relating to the effort have proved overwhelming," top donors of the support campaign Paul Fireman and Jeff Gural said in a statement released in September.
The pair suspended funding for the campaign after releasing their statement. Supporters of the amendment have anticipated its failure in recent months.
Prior to the vote, Gural sympathized with voters who were skeptical due to lack of details.
Meanwhile, voters approved the state's amendment to build transportation projects through the recent gas tax increase (question 2) with 64% voting yes.
The amendment did not authorize the gas tax but was suggested with the new tax in mind. Governor Chris Christie approved the gas tax on October 14th, along with other
With the amendment approved by voters, the additional funds gathered through the gas tax will be funneled into a Transportation Trust Fund, ensuring the revenue will only be spent on transportation projects.
Some opposed the amendment, including Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, but according to Ballotpedia zero dollars were raised for the opposition campaign.
The full text of each question and number of votes for/against are listed below:
PUBLIC QUESTION#1: Do you approve amending the Constitution to permit casino gambling in two additional counties in this State? At present, casino gambling is allowed only in Atlantic City in Atlantic County. Only one casino in each of the two counties would be permitted. Each casino is to be located in a town that is at least 72 miles from Atlantic City. The amendment would allow certain persons to apply first for a casino license.
yes = 76,355 votes countywide.
no = 211,906 votes countywide.
100% reporting.
PUBLIC QUESTION #2: Do you approve amending the Constitution to dedicate all revenue from the State motor fuels tax and petroleum products gross receipts tax to the Transportation Trust Fund? This amendment would provide that an additional three cents of the current motor fuels tax on diesel fuel, which is not dedicated for transportation purposes, be dedicated to the Transportation Trust Fund. In doing so, the entire State tax on diesel fuel would be used for transportation purposes. The entire State tax on gasoline is currently dedicated to the Transportation Trust Fund and used for transportation purposes. The amendment would also provide that all of the revenue from the current State tax on petroleum products gross receipts be dedicated to the Transportation Trust Fund. In doing so, the entire State tax on petroleum products gross receipts would be used for transportation purposes. This amendment does not change the current tax on motor fuels or petroleum products gross receipts
yes = 175,946 votes countywide.
no = 98,406 votes countywide.
100% reporting.
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