The path to a new downtown arena isn't set in stone yet, with one of the biggest obstacles remaining being a campaign to put the arena on the ballot.  That campaign is being pushed by Sacramento Taxpayers Opposed to Pork, otherwise known as STOP.

STOP submitted about 35,000 signatures to the county a couple weeks ago for validation and they need about 22,000 to get the measure approved.

However, new reports have surfaced today that indicate those signatures may be invalid.

From the Sacramento Bee:

Basically, STOP collected signatures using multiple wordings on their petition (although the goal was clearly stated on each petition and the wording was similar).  Legally, all petitions should be exactly the same, which might mean some signatures will be invalidated or counted separately.  The petitions also don't include "enacting clauses" which the Bee notes are required by state law.  The County has separated the five different petitions and is asking the City Attorney to make a ruling on the matter.

Aaron Bruski, who first broke the news on Twitter, adds:

For what it's worth, STOP says they don't believe the wording is different enough to invalidate the signatures. We will see what the city attorney's decide soon enough and will be sure to keep you updated on any further developments.