The group that wants to form a public utilities district and take over Puget Sound Energy’s territory on Whidbey Island said Monday they have collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot.

“People for Yes on Whidbey PUD” wants to put a public takeover of PSE on the November ballot. Organizers for the group would not say exactly how many signatures had been gathered on the petitions that call for a public vote, however.

A total of 2,392 signatures are needed to qualify the measure for the ballot.

“We have well over that, but some will be disqualified for various reasons,” said Ed Jenkins, a spokesman for the group.

“We have done our own cursory check and have high confidence we will go over easily. We will keep collecting signatures right up to the time to turn them in,” Jenkins said.

The backers for a Whidbey-based public utilities district will hold a special event Wednesday.

“People for Yes on Whidbey PUD” invite the public to witness the symbolic signing of the final signature of their petition. The ceremony is 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 2 at the Island County Auditor’s Office, 400 N. Main St., Coupeville.

The signing will precede the filing of the petitions to place the formation of a Whidbey Island Public Utility District on the November’s ballot.