(June 1, 2017) The final election results for Snow Hill’s Western District Town Council race, which took place on May 2, revealed a slightly narrower margin of victory than originally thought for new Councilwoman LaToya Purnell.
The adjusted numbers, released by the Snow Hill Board of Election Supervisors last Tuesday, show Purnell defeated Sylvester Dale 45-38.
The day-of vote tally put Purnell ahead by a 45-36 count with two absentee ballots outstanding at that time.  
Initially running unopposed, Purnell announced her candidacy in mid-March after incumbent Michael Pruitt offered to step aside in an effort to improve minority representation on the council. An election was mandated when Dale submitted his application at the March 31 filing deadline.
Both candidates reportedly went door-to-door to court votes in what was by all accounts a friendly contest. In the end, Dale congratulated his opponent and wished her well.
Purnell, 30, admitted she was nervous, but said she would take the initiative to learn on the job and would work hard to serve her constituents.
“I’m coming in here humble, because I know mistakes are going to be made,” she said after the election. “The only thing I can promise is to put my best foot forward and that’s what I’m definitely going to do.”
Purnell will be sworn into office during the next Snow Hill Council meeting on June 13.
Central District Councilwoman Jenny Hall, who ran unopposed, will return for another term.