The phrase “every vote counts” is often raised during election season to drum up voter turnout.
On Tuesday, it applied in the Alabama Senate on an issue that has frustrated Alabamians and lawmakers for 25 years: The legalization of gambling and lottery.
With a 20-15 vote, HB151 failed passage by a single vote. At issue: An Aug. 20 special election in which the voters in Alabama could decide if they wanted lottery and limited electronic casino gambling enshrined into the Alabama State Constitution.
“All they need is one vote,” said Steve Flowers, a former Republican member of the Alabama State House and a longtime political commentator and author.
