COLUMBUS — Backers of a ballot issue that would require judges to sentence first-time drug offenders to treatment instead of prison filed 779,728 signatures on petitions with Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell on Wednesday.

        That's more than twice the number — 335,422 — needed to ensure the issue is on the Nov. 5 ballot.

        The Ohio Coalition for New Drug Policies, which is promoting the issue, collected voter signatures from across Ohio, said Ed Orlett, a former Ohio House member who is the group's director.

        The issue would change the Ohio Constitution to require judges to impose treatment for first- and second-time drug offenders who request it. Current law allows judges to sen is on the Nov. 5 ballot.

        The Ohio Coalition for New Drug Policies, which is promoting the issue, collected voter signatures from across Ohio, said Ed Orlett, a former Ohio House member who is the group's director.

        The issue would change the Ohio Constitution to require judges to impose treatment for first- and second-time drug offenders who request it. Current law allows judges to sentence them to as much as 1 1/2 years in prison.

        Mr. Orlett said the current system of punishing drug offenders does not work.

        Opponents of the initiative say it would undermine the work of Ohio's drug courts, where judges, prosecutors and treatment specialists work with defendants to give them the help they need. The issue also allows felons who belong in prison out on the streets, said Jenny Camper, spokeswoman for Ohioans Against Unsafe Drug Laws.

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