The Missouri Supreme Court hears debate over when Missourians will vote on a proposed state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.
Josh Hinkle reports.
The state Supreme Court's hearing put election authorities on notice to possibly assemble ballots in a hurry if Democrats succeed in placing the issue on the August ballot... instead of Republican-favored November.
The Secretary of State's attorney Terry Jarrett says such a time crunch would make an August election impossible.
By not ruling immediately, the court shortens the state's 10-week notification period for ballot measures - depending on how long it waits to make a ruling.
From the state capital, I'm Josh Hinkle.
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The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in the case involving when the state will vote on a gay marriage ban.
Josh Hinkle reports.
Democratic Governor Bob Holden ordered the issue to be placed on the August ballot.
A November gay marriage vote in Missouri could help draw conservative voters to the polls.
But Missouri Family Network President Kerry Messer says an August vote would cancel the advantage of drawing more voters.
The Secretary of State - who is running against Holden for governor - refused to start paperwork for an August election.
The court gave no indication as to when it would rule.
From the state capital, I'm Josh Hinkle.
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The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on when the state would vote on a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage.
Josh Hinkle reports.
Republican Secrtary of State Matt Blunt says he didn't get the proper paperwork in time to get the proposed constitutional amendment ready for August.
Paul Wilson argued on behalf of the Attorney General... asking the court to mandate the Secretary of State to do his job.
The court gave no indication as to when it would rule.
From the state capital, I'm Josh Hinkle.
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The Missouri Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday on when the state should expect to vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.
Josh Hinkle reports.
The state constitution automatically places proposed amendments on the November ballot, unless the governor sets a special election earlier - like he did in this case.
While the Secretary of State's office feels election officials won't have enough time to prepare the ballot for an August election, the governor's office says that point is moot.
David Cosgrove - general counsel for the governor - spoke after the hearing.
Lawyers from the Attorney General's office argued the Secretary of State should not have waited to begin his work and could even now get the issue ready for August.
From the state capital, I'm Josh Hinkle.