Election Day: Ocean City, Md., Council President Matt James ousts long-time Mayor Rick Meehan, 1,438 to 1,136 (unofficial)

L2Who’s affected

Who's affected: Ocean City residents and town government. “Voters also elected Billy Apostolou, Larry Noccolino and Carol Proctor to the City Council.” (WBOC). “Proctor received the most votes in the council race, with 1,819, followed by Apostolou with 1,596 and Noccolino with 1,457. Wayne Johnson received 1,001 votes.” (WBOC; the town release lists the same council totals).

L3Why it’s quiet

Analysis · OVERLOOKED A small-town municipal race on a night of national calls. “The municipal election was held alongside the gubernatorial election, with voting at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.” (WBOC). We found it reported by Delmarva outlets and the town only.

L4Deeper impact

Deeper impact: Meehan “has served as Ocean City’s mayor since 2006” (WMDT). The mayor and council meet for an “organizational meeting Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall.” (WBOC), and “Council members will elect a council president and council secretary during the meeting.” (WBOC).

L5Full context

Full context: According to 47abc WMDT only, James’ win followed a political controversy just days before the election, “in which a political flyer accused him of using Maryland State Police resources for his political campaign. Town officials have since clarified the situation.” (WMDT). Overlooked has not independently reviewed that controversy. “The polls were open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center.” (Town of Ocean City).

You’ve reached the bottom. Read the original reporting below.