More signatures submitted to force mall slots vote

A coalition against slot machine gambling near a popular shopping mall has submitted thousands of additional signatures to force a vote on the proposal.

The coalition, which includes community groups and the Maryland Jockey Club, says it delivered 16,702 signatures to the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections on Friday. Opponents need 18,790 signatures to put a zoning measure needed for the project near Arundel Mills Mall on the November ballot.

The elections board already has verified 13,136 signatures. Cordish Cos., which is planning to build the casino, filed a lawsuit last month against the board of elections claiming that it is overlooking fraud in the petition drive.

- Associated Press