Despite Snow, Voter Turnout Increased in Upper Marlboro

Despite the snowfall, 61 people voted in Monday's Board of Town Commissioners election in Upper Marlboro, a 60 percent increase from the 38 town residents who voted in the 2010 election.

The results, certified by town officials Monday night, were close: 56 residents voted for commissioner Stephen F. Sonnett; 54 voted for commissioner Joseph A. Hourcle; and 53 voted for commissioner James Storey. All three were incumbents and ran unopposed.

Helen Ford and Robert Hopkins were write-in candidates, both receiving 1 vote each. Mark Ford, another write-in candidate, received 3 votes.

Monday's totals represented a small victory for town commissioners, who wanted as many voters as possible to vote in the election. Local officials are in a battle with Prince George's County over . The county is looking to demolish the property and build a Family Justice Center on the site.

For commissioners, a large voter turnout meant town residents were interested in local politics. But while this week's numbers trump the 2010 totals, it's still just a small fraction of the town's 631 residents.