FARGO - Residents in North Dakota's largest city are showing early support for extension of the citywide ban on smoking in public places.

With nine of the 20 precincts reporting, the proposal to eliminate smoking in bars and truck stops was leading by a 2,831-2,038 vote, or 58 to 42 percent. The measure to allow smoking in those places was trailing 2,655-2,164, or 55 to 45 percent.

It's the second time in four years that residents have been asked to decide the smoking issue. Fargo voters decided in 2004 to eliminate smoking in restaurants, but rejected a measure that would have made it illegal to light up in most stand-alone bars.

The total ban was back on the ballot Tuesday.

Krista Bergren and Jacinda Wollan said the decision on whether to change the city ordinance was a difficult one. Bergren voted "yes." Wollan voted "no."

Bergren, 32, said she's an ex-smoker and one of her friends is a bartender who recently gave up cigarettes.

"I feel I'm supporting those people who are forced to be in a work environment where it's too smoky," Bergren said.

Wollan, 26, said she understands why people are worried about their health, but said her decision was a vote for small business.

"You can't tell a business that it can't sell pantyhose. It should be a choice," Wollan said.

Some bar owners worry that a ban could put them out of business and take down charitable gambling sites. Supporters of the ban said workers in those bars should be protected from second hand smoke.

"If we believe that the health of people working is important enough to be protected, it should apply to all businesses," said Barry Nelson, a spokesman for Share the Air Fargo.

Bar and restaurant owner Randy Thorson said several fellow pub owners in neighboring Moorhead, Minn., have complained about losing business when Minnesota enacted a total ban.

"We've been trying to inform people about the negative impact this will have on businesses and charities," Thorson said. "If that wasn't true, Moorhead tills would ringing and they're not."

West Fargo residents also were voting on a total smoking ban while keeping tabs on Fargo's decision. If approved, the West Fargo ordinance would take effect on July 1, but only if Fargo residents approve similar restrictions.

Both sides were expecting a close vote.

"I know I'm going to upset some of my friends but I just feel it's time for a total ban," Bergren said.

"I do think that where we live, as Americans, we should be able to figure out a different way to do it rather than ban it completely," Wollan said.