Special Election on Vouchers Likely

None by KCPW

Huntsman Says He'll Respect the Vote Outcome

(KCPW News) Voucher opponents say they're halfway to collecting the 92,000 signatures they need for a public referendum on the school choice program. Supporters of vouchers say a loophole should keep the program on the books, regardless of the referendum's outcome. Governor Huntsman disagrees.

"If the people speak out - if we have 90,000 signatories, call a special election and if the people vote it down, obviously that's the answer," says Huntsman. "I mean if the people have spoken, obviously I would respect that."

Huntsman says he expects referendum organizers to collect the necessary votes.  If they do, he says he will call a special election for the vote as quickly as possible. June 26th would be the earliest date allowed by law. He also adds that he's looking to the Utah Attorney General for clarification on the legal implications of the referendum, since it challenges only one of two voucher bills passed by the Legislature.

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