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Independent Candidate Wins St. Louis Aldermanic Race In Special Election

via campaign website

Megan Ellyia Green, who ran as an independent candidate, will be the next alderwoman for St. Louis' 15th ward.

Green will replace Jennifer Florida, who was appointed recorder of deeds after the long-time recorder of deeds, Sharon Carpenter, stepped down in July. Florida is now an independent candidate for recorder of deeds.

Green commanded 46 percent of the vote, according to unofficial numbers from the St. Louis Board of Elections. The Democratic candidate, Missy Pinkerton-McDaniel, received 11 percent. Another independent candidate, Rhonda Smythe, received 37 percent of the vote.

Although turnout may seem low (only 1,100 votes were cast), it was slightly more than expected. The Board of Elections had estimated a turnout of 10 to 14 percent,  and it worked out to 17 percent.

Green said she moved into the 15th Ward 10 years ago as part of a Coro fellowship, a training and leadership program. Among other things since, she has taught in St. Louis Public Schools.

Green's website described her as an "independent candidate with democratic values." She supports participatory budgeting -- a process that allows ward residents to vote on how money is spent from the ward budget.

Although Green was an independent, she did have the endorsement of Lewis Reed, the president of the Board of Aldermen.

But campaigning isn't over for Green. There'll be another ward election in April when her shortened term is up.

Follow Chris McDaniel on Twitter@csmcdaniel