In a significant ruling, the Arkansas Supreme Court has dismissed a lawsuit challenging a ballot measure aimed at revoking the casino license for a planned establishment in Pope County. The decision, announced on October 14, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battles surrounding the state’s casino landscape.

Court’s Ruling on Signature Gathering Claims

The justices unanimously rejected claims that the ballot measure should be disqualified due to alleged violations of laws related to signature gathering. This ruling allows the measure, which seeks to give local voters control over casino licenses, to remain on the ballot for the upcoming election.

A special master appointed by the court reviewed the evidence and found no merit in the lawsuit’s assertions. The claims that Local Voters in Charge, the group advocating for the measure, failed to submit necessary paperwork regarding paid canvassers were dismissed. Additionally, the special master ruled that the group did not violate regulations prohibiting payment per signature.

• Key Points from the Ruling:
  • Unanimous rejection of signature gathering claims.
  • Special master found no evidence of wrongdoing by Local Voters in Charge.
  • Measure remains on the ballot for the November election.

Hans Stiritz, a spokesperson for Local Voters in Charge, expressed gratitude for the ruling, emphasizing the group’s message of local control. “Communities should have the final say on a casino in their own hometown,” he stated, highlighting the measure’s resonance across the state.

Ongoing Legal Challenges and Casino License Controversy

While the court has ruled on the signature gathering claims, it has yet to address a second part of the lawsuit that challenges the wording of the ballot measure. This aspect of the case remains pending, and its outcome could further influence the measure’s fate.

The lawsuit was initiated by Cherokee Nation Entertainment, which was awarded the casino license for Pope County earlier this year, along with the Arkansas Canvassing Compliance Committee. The proposed amendment seeks to revoke this license, which has faced legal hurdles since its inception.

• Background on the Casino License:
  • Pope County was designated as one of four locations for casinos under a 2018 constitutional amendment.
  • Legal challenges have delayed the establishment of the casino in Pope County.
  • Other three locations have successfully opened casinos.

Allison Burum, spokesperson for the Arkansas Canvassing Compliance Committee, expressed disappointment with the court’s ruling but remains hopeful for a favorable outcome regarding the ballot title challenge. She criticized the measure as misleading, asserting that it aims to overturn the will of Arkansas voters who approved the fourth casino license in 2018.

Financial Backing and Campaign Dynamics

The campaign surrounding the casino measure has seen significant financial contributions from various stakeholders. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has donated $5.6 million to Local Voters in Charge, while Cherokee Nation Businesses has contributed $2.8 million to Investing in Arkansas, the group opposing the measure.

Ads promoting the casino measure have been prevalent across Arkansas, reflecting the high stakes involved in this legal and electoral battle. The outcome of the ballot measure could have lasting implications for the state’s gaming industry and local communities.

• Financial Contributions:
  • Choctaw Nation: $5.6 million to Local Voters in Charge.
  • Cherokee Nation Businesses: $2.8 million to opposing campaign.

As the election approaches, all eyes will be on the Arkansas Supreme Court as it prepares to rule on the wording of the ballot measure. The decision will ultimately determine whether local voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on the future of the Pope County casino.