Voters are getting their first chance to cast ballots in a scandal-marred race for District of Columbia mayor.
Despite heavy snow across the D.C. area, early voting began at 10 a.m. Monday for the district's April 1 Democratic primary.
Mayor Vincent Gray is seeking a second term amid allegations by federal prosecutors that he knew about an illegal, $668,000 "shadow campaign'' waged on his behalf when he ran for mayor in 2010.
Gray has not been charged with a crime.
The mayor faces seven challengers, including four D.C. councilmembers: Muriel Bowser, Jack Evans, Vincent Orange and Tommy Wells, as well as former State Department official Reta Lewis, restaurateur Andy Shallal and entrepreneur Carlos Allen.
Councilmember David Catania, an independent, will run against the primary winner.
Voters can cast early ballots starting Monday at the downtown office building that houses the Board of Elections. Starting Saturday, a dozen more early voting locations will open.
