Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge recently rejected a proposed casino ballot referendum from the committee Arkansas Wins in 2018. The constitutional amendment would allow four casinos in Benton, Boone, Miller and Pulaski counties, with tax revenue directed to highway improvements.
Rutledge stated the proposed amendment has “ambiguous” wording, and would “inevitably lead to confusion.” She added it can’t be summarized for voters to easily and quickly understand. “It is my opinion that a number of additions or changes to your ballot title are necessary in order to more fully and correctly summarize your proposal,” Rutledge wrote.
Rutledge also recently rejected, for the fourth time, a different constitutional amendment proposed by the committee Driving Arkansas Forward. It would authorize casinos in Jefferson and Pope counties, Oaklawn Racing and Gaming in Hot Springs and Southland Park Gaming and Racing in West Memphis, also to raise highway funds.
In her 10-page opinion, Rutledge wrote the popular name and ballot title were misleading. “It is my opinion, based on the guidelines established by the state Supreme Court that some additions or changes to your ballot title and possibly your popular name are necessary so that the ballot title more fully and correctly summarizes your proposal.”
Arkansas is one of 11 states without commercial or tribal casinos. However state law allows slot machines and electric table games at the parimutuel tracks, Oaklawn Park and Southland Park.
The attorney general must approve the popular name and ballot title before the committee can begin collecting the required 84,859 valid signatures of registered voters by the July 6 deadline to qualify the proposal for the November 6 ballot.
Rutledge noted, “The decision to certify or reject a popular name and ballot title is in no way a reflection of my view of the merits of a particular proposal.”
