In the competitive world of betting and gaming referendums, unconventional tactics are not out of the question. Virginia’s upcoming casino referendum in Richmond exemplifies this as Urban One and Churchill Downs, Inc. partner to sway voter support. In a desperate bid to secure a more favorable outcome, these casino proponents are pulling out all the stops, including free Uber rides and meals to win over the hearts and votes of Richmond residents.
A Second Chance for Richmond Gaming
Richmond residents are gearing up for a second chance to decide on the fate of the city’s gaming industry. The previous referendum in 2021, spearheaded by Urban One and then-partner Peninsula Pacific Entertainment, was narrowly defeated by a 51-49% margin. Now, city officials are granting a redo to present a more united front regarding the potential economic benefits a casino could bring to the Virginia capital.
Betting on Economic Benefits
Urban One, Churchill Downs, and other casino supporters are keen to emphasize the positive impacts that a casino can deliver. These include the promise of 1,300 union jobs and an impressive $30 million in annual revenue for Richmond. To ensure their message reaches the masses, they’ve embarked on a unique approach.
Uber to the Polls
With a hefty campaign war chest totaling over $8.1 million, the Richmond casino referendum organizers are now offering free Uber vouchers to city residents who express their support for the gaming project during door-to-door canvassing. With early voting already underway ahead of the November 7 Election Day, these vouchers are an immediate way for voters to reach the city’s early polling centers, located at Richmond City Hall, the Richmond City Office of Elections, and the Hickory Hill Community Center.
Meals on the House
But the campaign’s incentives don’t stop at free Uber rides. Richmond casino backers are also enticing voters with free meals. They’ve stationed food trucks outside early polling centers and covered meal costs for individuals who demonstrate that they’ve voted. Importantly, a vote in favor of the casino isn’t a prerequisite for enjoying these complimentary meals.
Funding the Campaign
This unique campaign strategy is backed equally by Urban One and Churchill, with both companies contributing $4 million to the cause under the banner “Richmond Wins.” Additionally, they’ve collectively channeled over $32,000 to state and city lawmakers, which includes support for Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and the Richmond City Council.
The Opposition’s Struggles
On the other side of the fence, local residents opposing the casino or at least disputing the Richmond City Council’s decision to hold a second gaming referendum face significant financial constraints. The opposition, led by Paul Goldman, a prominent political strategist in Virginia, operates under the name “No Means No Casino” and possesses roughly $200,000 to spend. The bulk of these funds, $125,000, comes from philanthropists James and Barbara Ukrop.
Goldman’s efforts to obtain the registered voter list from the Virginia Department of Elections have hit roadblocks. He alleges Commissioner Susan Beals has refused to release the catalog unless he allows the state to censor the “No Means No Casino” messaging. Goldman, representing himself in the case, claims that state elections officials wrongly deemed his campaign messaging as using “intimidation” and “pressure.”
A Legal Battle Looms
Citing violations of the First and 14th Amendments, Goldman filed a federal lawsuit against Beals and the state elections department. This lawsuit is set to be heard in the U.S. Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Goldman’s argument hinges on the notion that modern elections are a blend of advocacy and attack, and his campaign should not be unfairly censored. He maintains that American elections aim to achieve a fair and transparent outcome, free from government interference, as he alleges is occurring in this case.
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