NASHVILLE (AP) — The early voting period in the Metro Nashville city election has begun and a dominant theme is the fate of the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.

Incumbent Mayor Karl Dean has said he wants to see the exhibition grounds just south of downtown Nashville redeveloped, which brought about a "save the fairgrounds" reaction. Candidates for Metro Council are making that a major talking point in ads.

Council candidate Dave Patterson says his support of keeping the fairgrounds should be a reason voters choose him, according to The Tennessean.

The 117-acre site also includes a stock car race track.

A charter amendment on the fairgrounds is also on the ballot. The traditional election day is Aug. 4.