Smoke Free North Dakota Submits Signatures | Video

Jessica Roose | 8/2/2012

Should smokers be allowed to light up in public places like bars and restaurants in the state? That question will likely go to voters during the general election this November.

Today members of Smoke Free North Dakota submitted over 21,000 signatures to the Secretary of State. They say the law is needed for the health benefits to citizens of the state.

If passed, it would also include a ban on electronic cigarettes.

"We really don`t have any idea what`s in them. Preliminary reports from very reputable sources are saying there`s not such great things in them. So why would we you know...it seems silly to exclude them and then in two years from now when they say it causes XY and Z have to add it back in," said Chairwoman Chelsey Matter.

The Secretary of State will now verify the signatures and determine if the measure will be placed on the November ballot.

Currently 29 other states and Washington D.C have passed similar smoke free laws.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY