Early voting off to a sleepy start in Richmond

• That's a little less than 4% of registered voters in the city, a figure that lags both the state and region as a whole, per voting stats compiled by the Virginia Public Access Project.

Between the lines: Unlike the 2021 referendum, which coincided with the gubernatorial election, there are no contested races in most city precincts this year.

Yes, but: Political scientist Bob Holsworth said the numbers are still surprising given casino supporters are spending more than $8 million in an effort to turn out voters via an extensive canvassing operation that includes free food and rides.

What we're watching: So far turnout has been highest in the city's 8th council district, which would be home to the project and where voters strongly supported the measure last time around.

• On the other hand, low participation in early voting could signal a problem for casino supporters, who carried the early vote in 2021 but lost among Election Day voters.