Cherokee Nation Entertainment has filed a lawsuit in Arkansas to block a ballot measure aimed at overturning their recently awarded casino license in Pope County. This move follows a report from the Associated Press detailing the Tribal operator’s legal challenge.
The conflict began when Local Voters in Charge submitted a proposal to halt casino expansion in Arkansas, specifically targeting the new license granted to Cherokee Nation Entertainment. The group gathered 116,200 valid signatures from registered voters, surpassing the required number to qualify for the November ballot. However, Cherokee Nation Entertainment claims the signature collection process violated several laws.
The Tribal company has asked the Arkansas Supreme Court to disqualify the ballot measure. They argue that the campaign’s signature collection did not comply with state laws, which could invalidate the petition. Cherokee Nation Entertainment has faced significant opposition and legal hurdles in its effort to build a casino in Pope County.
After numerous attempts, the Arkansas Racing Commission awarded Cherokee Nation Entertainment a license to build a casino in Pope County. The commission’s decision was unanimous, marking a crucial step for the Tribe’s casino project. Despite this victory, the license’s future is now in jeopardy due to the opposition’s efforts.
Roger Lee, an officer with the Arkansas Canvassing Compliance Committee and Dover Mayor, filed paperwork against the measure to block the casino. He expressed concern about the integrity of the signature collection process, stating, “Arkansans must be made aware of this deliberate scheme to openly violate Arkansas laws regarding canvassing and to mislead and confuse voters.”
This lawsuit is the latest chapter in Cherokee Nation Entertainment’s ongoing battle to establish a casino in Pope County. Last fall, the Arkansas Supreme Court denied the Tribe’s bid for Legends Resort and Casino, ruling against them in a 5 to 2 decision. The proposed $225 million casino in Russellville, Arkansas, was a significant investment for the Tribe, which purchased the property for $35 million.
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