NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) – Three Newport residents fighting the proposed expansion of gambling at Newport Grand are suing the state to block the Nov. 4 referendum they say is unconstitutional.
Deborah Arnold, Elizabeth P. de Ramel and Charles Weishar say state law calls for one statewide referendum and does not provide for a separate local referendum in Newport.
The legislation approved in June requires a majority of statewide voters and of Newport voters to approve table games if Newport Grand is to become a full casino. The ballot will not include a separate question for Newport residents.
The question will instead appear as a statewide question.
The lawyer for Arnold, de Ramel and Weishar says the General Assembly departed from the constitutional requirements for gambling referendums, substituting a statewide referendum and eliminating the local vote.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
