In an effort to overturn the actions of Governor Ted Strickland and the Ohio General Assembly, LetOhioVote.org stated their case to the Ohio Supreme Court this week in opposition to video lottery terminals at Ohio’s racetracks. LetOhioVote.org is asking the Supreme Court to allow 90 days in order to circulate a petition to have the VLT issue voted on by the people in November 2010.

LetOhioVote.org attorney, Michael Carvin, argued that the Court has made it clear that laws are subject to referendum unless they plainly fall within certain constitutional exceptions. Justice Judith Lanzinger appeared to sympathize with their argument, saying “here, there appears to be an end run around the rights of the people to decide.”

On the other side of the case, State Solicitor Benjamin C. Mizer told justicesthe state constitution forbids referendums on “appropriations for current expenses of state government.” Strickland has estimated the VLTs will generate $933 million during the next two years and was a critical piece of the recently enacted state budget.

The Court will not issue a decision in this case for several more months.