Arkansas Court Dismisses Part of Casino Ballot Suit

The Arkansas Supreme Court has dismissed part of a lawsuit challenging Issue 2, a ballot measure concerning casino licensing in Pope County, Arkansas, allowing the votes to be counted in the upcoming general election. The court rejected claims that canvassers violated laws by being paid per signature and that the necessary paperwork was improperly signed. The second challenge regarding the clarity of the ballot's title and language remains unresolved. Cherokee Nation Entertainment, which holds the Pope County casino license, has been a significant opponent of the measure, while Local Voters in Charge, the group behind the measure, argues for local voter control over casino decisions. The court's decision is critical as it supports the continuation of the ballot measure process, despite ongoing legal challenges. The outcome of the ballot measure could set a precedent for voter control over future casino developments in the state.