Issue 2 passes, Pope County casino dead; Issue 1 receives voter approval

by Michael Tilley (mtilley@talkbusiness.net)

Tens of millions of dollars spent for and against an effort to block construction of a casino in Pope County with a constitutional amendment resulted in the passage of Issue 2. Voter approval of the issue means a Pope County casino will not be built.

Arkansas Secretary of State numbers show that 55.8% of voters were for Issue 2 as of 11:45 p.m. However, 55.6% of Pope County voters were against Issue 2 – an amendment based on the belief that voters should have a say about having a casino in their county.

Voters overwhelmingly approved Issue 1 with 89.7% of the vote as of 11:45 p.m. Issue 1 was a referred constitutional amendment from the Arkansas General Assembly that would expand the use of lottery proceeds so that they can be used to fund scholarships for Arkansas citizens enrolled in vocational- technical schools and technical institutes. The popular legislative referral was pushed by Rep. Robin Lundstrum, R-Elm Springs, and Sen. Jane English, R-North Little Rock.

Issue 2 passes, Pope County casino dead; Issue 1 receives voter approval

Poll: Voters suggest a mixed bag for Issues 1, 2 and 3

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

A new Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College Poll shows about one-quarter of voters are still undecided on three amendment proposals to be considered this fall.

In the latest survey of 974 likely Arkansas voters, which was conducted Oct. 17-18, 2022, Issue 1 has an 11-point lead, Issue 2 is a dead-heat, and Issue 3 is slightly opposed by just three points.

Respondents were asked:

Q: Issue 1, would give the legislature the authority to convene in extraordinary session (special session) by joint proclamation of House and Senate leadership or by written proclamation containing the signatures of at least two-thirds of the members of both the House and Senate. If the election were held today, would you vote for or against Issue 1?

44.5% For
33.5% Against
22% Undecided

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/10/poll-voters-suggest-a-mixed-bag-for-issues-1-2-and-3/

Issue 1 opposition forms with State Chamber, Farm Bureau support

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Opponents of Issue 1, the proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the Arkansas Legislature to call itself into special session, announced Thursday (Oct. 6) the formation of a legislative question committee to oppose the measure.

The legislatively-referred issue will be on the November 8 general election ballot.

“Our legislature already meets once every year, plus one or more special sessions called by the governor most years, and that’s enough to take care of the business of the people,” said Randy Zook, co-chair of Arkansans Against Issue 1 and president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas. “Voters benefit from having a truly representative ‘citizen legislature,’ and if Issue 1 passes, making it harder for the average Arkansan to serve, we will move even closer to a full-time legislature.”

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/10/issue-1-opposition-forms-with-state-chamber-farm-bureau-support/

Poll: Issue 1 sees support; Issues 2 and 3 a mixed bag

by Talk Business & Politics staff (staff2@talkbusiness.net)

Three legislative-referred amendment proposals could all pass this November, although one measure has more support than the other two.

A new Talk Business & Politics-Hendrix College Poll of 835 likely Arkansas voters found a plurality of support for Issue 1, which would allow the Arkansas legislature to call itself into special session. Under the current state constitution, only the governor can call for an extraordinary session of the Arkansas General Assembly.

Q: Issue 1, would give the legislature the authority to convene in extraordinary session (special session) by joint proclamation of House and Senate leadership or by written proclamation containing the signatures of at least two-thirds of the members of both the House and Senate. If the election were held today, would you vote for or against Issue 1?

41% For
24% Against
35% Undecided

https://talkbusiness.net/2022/09/poll-issue-1-sees-support-issues-2-and-3-a-mixed-bag/

Issue 1 Asks Voters to Approve Permanent Sales Tax to Support Roads

Issue 1, which was referred to the voters by the Arkansas General Assembly, proposes amending the Arkansas Constitution to make permanent a half-cent sales tax that currently helps fund the state's four-lane highway system, county roads and city streets. Proponents say every county will receive funding from the tax, so all Arkansans will benefit. Opponents say there are cost-saving measures that can be taken before extending a sales tax that was supposed to be temporary.

https://www.kuaf.com/post/issue-1-asks-voters-approve-permanent-sales-tax-support-roads

Issue 1 Asks Voters to Approve Permanent Sales Tax to Support Roads

Issue 1, which was referred to the voters by the Arkansas General Assembly, proposes amending the Arkansas Constitution to make permanent a half-cent sales tax that currently helps fund the state's four-lane highway system, county roads and city streets. Proponents say every county will receive funding from the tax, so all Arkansans will benefit.