New Jersey’s state Senate president surprised a lot of people when he said a referendum to allow casinos to be built in northern New Jersey might be better off going before voters in November 2016, not this year.
Stephen Sweeney reasoned that this November’s off-year election will have low voter turnout and the 2016 election—which includes the presidential election—would see many more voters at the polls. Sweeney said there is legitimate “debate” over whether the measure would pass in an off-year election.
“We believe that expanding gaming to North Jersey will strengthen the state’s casino industry, boost the economy and help Atlantic City’s financial recovery, but there is no specific timetable at this point,” Richard McGrath, a spokesman for Sweeney, told NorthJersey.com. “The legislature will have discussions to develop the best timetable for a public referendum that seeks voter approval.”
Leading proponents of North Jersey casinos, however, say they want the referendum this year.
“We have to do it now, so we don’t fall even further and further behind other states,” state Senator Ray Lesniak said. “Atlantic City will continue to decline, and racing will continue to decline. This may very well be our last chance.”
Proponents of the idea to expand casinos want to see revenues from the new properties used to help Atlantic City and the state’s horseracing industry.
State Senator Paul Sarlo, whose district includes the Meadowlands Sports Complex—a likely spot for new casinos—told the website that a low voter turnout could persuade him to wait a year, but he would need to see proof that state voters would not approve the referendum this year.
“I think a majority will be supportive of this, but with a low turnout, we do need to determine if that is a concern,” Sarlo said. “If someone can demonstrate to me—in poll with proper sampling and credible questions—that this idea is not feasible this year, that’s one thing. But that has not happened yet.”
Jim Kirkos, president of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber business group, also said he sees “some legitimate concern” about a 2015 vote, given turnout questions.
“But ultimately, it’s in New Jersey’s best interest to wage this campaign sooner rather than later,” Kirkos told NorthJersey.com. “I don’t want to wait until some other dynamic comes along. A year is a long time, and a lot can happen.”
Under New Jersey’s constitution, casinos are only allowed in Atlantic City. Voters must approve any referendum to amend the constitution to allow casinos in other parts of the state.
