It was a close race and more than double the voters turned out in this election than in last year's, but Jarrett Smith is the new Ward 5 councilman, according to unofficial results on the Takoma Park website.

Smith took 97 votes and Eric Hensel was close behind with 80 votes. The election was done by instant runoff so the third candidate, Melinda Ulloa, did not receive any votes in the final tally, although she received 33 before she was eliminated.

Only 76 people turned out for Ward 5 uncontested race in 2011 when Reuben Snipper was elected.

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There will be a meeting at 7:30 p.m. on July 18 in the Community Center Auditorium to verify and make official the results of the Ward 5 special election, according to the city.

Smith's campaign promises included making Ward 5 a tighter knit community, protecting Sligo Creek and preserving health and wellness options for Takoma Park even if Washington Adventist Hospital leaves.