TYLER (KYTX) - An opposition group wants to verify signatures on the petition to get the measures on the November ballot.
And today the city turned them over to "Stand Strong for Tyler."
Now that "Stand Strong for Tyler" has the signatures, members get a chance to check one by one who's a registered voter.
"Stand Strong for Tyler" doesn't want voters in Tyler or Smith County Precinct 2 to decide on beer and wine sales in stores, or mixed drink sales in restaurants.
"People drive to Winona, drive to Coffee City, have a couple on the way back. I think it's more pragmatic," says Paul Potter, who signed the petition to bring beer and wine sales to the city of Tyler.
"You're going to have irresponsible use either way, I'd rather have irresponsible use where you don't have to sit and drive 20 miles out of the way," says Potter.
He's been following every step of the process, from petitions being turned in by the group "Buy Local First," to "Stand Strong for Tyler" members pushing to get copies of those petition, to verify signatures for themselves.
"It's all about time, it should have been a simpler process," says Deon Williams with "Stand Strong for Tyler."
Now time is working against "Stand Strong" as it works to verify 78-hundred signatures of the more than 91-hundred turned in.
The city had initial concerns about private information of elected officials who signed the petition being released to the public.
Information like addresses.
But the city decided to follow a precedent set by Dallas, which released the petitions in a similar situation.
"There's always a concern because we're balancing competing interests," says Gary Landers, the city of Tyler attorney.
The group plans to verify signatures several ways, through names, addresses, voter IDs and even phone calls to ensure all those who signed up are registered voters.
The results determine an outcome years in the making.
"It's not really a choice the city council has. We present findings to them, they call for an election," says Landers.
"I expect to see it on the ballot and cast my vote," says Potter.
The city has until the 21st, that's 30 days after the petitions were turned in, to verify signatures.
At that point, whether or not you can walk into the corner store and pick up a beer could very well be on the ballot.
"Buy Local First" says they turned in more than enough signatures to cover their bases.
Now, only time will tell.
"Stand Strong for Tyler" already got petitions from Smith County and started verifying signatures.
After they're verified, the Tyler city council and Smith County commissioners must vote to put them on the ballot.
