Charles school board hopefuls compete for at-large seat

In Charles County's only election this year, an at-large board of education seat, Michael K. Lukas, the seat's incumbent, led Tuesday night with about 40% of the vote.

Letonya Smalls received the second most votes with 29.1% of the total as of Tuesday night, meaning that the match is likely set for the general election this November.

Christopher O.J. Alberts ended with the third most votes, capturing 14.9% of the total votes. Pascale Small finished with 8.2% of the vote and Andre R. Griggs had 7.8%.

"I need to say thank you for everyone in Charles County that continues to show their support to me," Lukas said in a phone call with Southern Maryland News after all precincts had reported Tuesday night. "It really means a lot, and not just for this election, but all the previous elections as well. I look forward to November, and I look forward to serving them again on the board of education."

In a phone call Tuesday as the final precincts reported in, Smalls said, "The biggest thing for me is being able to support the people, that's what my heart longs for. I'm willing to fight for the cause."

Smalls and Lukas will be on the ballot in the general election on Nov. 5.

These results are unofficial until mail-in and provisional ballots are counted over the next week and a half.