Older voters looking to be a key group in outcome of Ward 5 special election to replace Thomas

WASHINGTON — A look at early turnout in the race to replace former D.C. Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. shows that older voters could have an important say in the outcome.

The Washington Times (http://bit.ly/JlC16Z ) reports that more than 500 people had voted early by Monday evening, and many who went to a recreation center in Brookland tended to be older. Residents who are 60 or older make up nearly 16 percent of Ward 5's population.

Thomas resigned earlier this year after pleading guilty to embezzling more than $350,000 in city funds that had been earmarked for youth sports programs. He was sentenced this month to more than three years in prison.

Eleven candidates are vying to replace Thomas in the May 15 special election.

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Information from: The Washington Times, http://www.washtimes.com

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