ARKANSAS, USA — If you've seen commercials about Issue 2 in Arkansas leading up to Election Day, you're not alone.
Many are wondering — what is Issue 2? In short, it's an amendment involving casino licenses in Arkansas.
According to the ballot, the amendment requires "local voter approval in a county-wide special election for any new casino licenses." This would allow residents to vote on whether they want gambling in their county instead of having the Arkansas Racing Commission make the decision.
The measure would also cancel the Pope County casino license, which voters initially approved in 2018.
The Casino Gaming Amendment of 2018 created four casino licenses in Crittenden, Garland, Pope, and Jefferson counties. If the measure passes, all casinos will remain licensed for all counties except Pope County.
This would also reduce the number of licenses the Arkansas Racing State Commission is required to issue. Instead of the current requirement of four, it would be three.
If this amendment passes, it will be effective on Nov. 13, 2024.
The Arkansas Supreme Court denied a challenge against the casino amendment and essentially ruled that votes will count this November.
For the ballot's full text, click here.
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