Opponents of Columbus’ ticket tax came up short on collecting signatures to put a ballot measure in front of voters in November.
The proposed ballot measure would stop any tax or fee from being placed on tickets for arts and entertainment events in Columbus.
The Franklin County Board of Elections says of the 22,000 signatures submitted, fewer than 11,000 were valid, missing the required number by about 280.
In a statement, the group Advocates for Responsible Taxation, say they are disappointed but will continue to pursue the ballot position.
“The over 18,000 people who signed our petitions did so to repeal this regressive tax,” the statement says. “And, while some of their addresses may not have been up to date at the Board of Elections, that does not discount their opposition to this tax.”
The group will need to start fresh, collecting the 11,030 signatures required by the August 7 deadline to get a measure on November's ballot.
