Arkansas voted to pass all three initiatives which appeared on the ballot. What does this mean for Arkansas?
Issue #2 will require Voter ID. Issue #4 authorizes the expansion of Casinos and gaming in four Arkansas counties. Issue #5 raises the minimum wage in Arkansas to $11 by 2021.
Issue #2 requires the presentation of a valid photographic identification when voting in person or when casting an absentee ballot. Eligible voters will be able to receive state issued identification at no charge. Issue #2 passed with resounding support, with nearly three-quarters of the votes in favor.
Issue #4 requires that the Racing Commission have oversight over casino licenses. In addition, the Racing Commission must institute rules within 120 days after November 14 and accept licensing applications by June 1, 2019.
The Racing Commission will be required to award licenses to a casino in Pope County within two miles of Russellville as well as a casino in Jefferson County within two miles of Pine Bluff. Both of these are college towns.
The Commission will also be required to license Southland Racing Corp in Crittenden County and Oaklawn Jockey Club in Garland County to operate casino gambling at or next to the greyhound or horse-racing tracks respectively.
Issue #4 prohibits any individual, corporation, partnership, association, trust, or other entity from having more than one license. Anyone under the age of 21 would be prohibited from casino gambling. Issue #4 passed with 54 percent in favor.
Issue #5 raises the minimum wage to $11 by 2021. Minimum wage will increase to $8.50 to $9.25 per hour on Jan. 1, 2019. In Jan. 1, 2020, it will then transition to $10 per hour. On Jan. 1, 2021, it will be transitioned to $11 per hour. Issue #5 passed with 68 percent in favor.
