A row of slot machines stands at Harrah’s casino in New Orleans. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
A special master to the Arkansas Supreme Court found nearly 6,000 signatures supporting an anti-casino ballot initiative should be disqualified because of insufficient addresses, according to a report submitted Monday.
Other challenges to the proposed ballot measure — such as potential issues with an agent signing affidavits in place of a sponsor — that were made in an original action petition filed last month were rejected.
Special Master Randy Wright’s report will inform the state’s highest court as it determines whether votes cast on the proposed constitutional amendment in November will be counted. Additional briefs are expected in the coming weeks, and petitioners said a ruling is likely in mid-October.
Anti-casino ballot measure lawsuit begins in Arkansas Supreme Court
The proposed amendment aims to repeal a Pope County casino license and require any new casino built in the state to be approved in a countywide special election before a license is issued.