New jobs, alleged fear-mongering, racism, antisemitism, and more terms like this have been involved in what will be the most competitive item on the ballot for Richmond voters Tuesday. Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney’s second attempt at bringing a casino to the city will be decided by residents of the city in a referendum vote. If the proposal passes, it will give the mayor momentum heading into a primary race for governor. If it fails again, as it did in 2021, then Stoney and casino proponents will have put forth a lot of effort and money for nothing.
Urban One and Churchill Downs Inc. are the groups sponsoring and investing millions into this project. They have invested nearly $10 million in their efforts to convince voters to support the proposal. The money is going towards marketing like billboards, TV commercials, get-out-the-vote efforts, events at early voting locations, and more.
