ROYALSTON – Mark Thompson was victorious in a three-way race to fill a spot on Royalston’s Selectboard.

In a special election held on Tuesday, Thompson – who also serves on the town’s Planning Board – garnered 162 votes, while former board members Roland Hamel and Gary Winitzer received 90 and 41 votes, respectively. Thompson will fill the seat left vacant by the sudden resignation of Rick Martin in March.

The Special Town Election was held the same day as the state primary, and separate ballots were given for each.

According to information provided by Town Clerk Barbara Richardson, a total of 300 of votes were cast for the special election and 297 for the primary – approximately 27% of Royalston’s 1,112 registered voters.

Richardson said turnout for balloting at Town Hall was basically at a trickle throughout the day. Of the 300 votes cast, 100 were cast in early and mail-in voting.

On a related note, Richardson said questions remain regarding how the town would proceed if officials wish to bring a Proposition 2 1/2 override which failed to pass in August back before the voters. A proposed $75,411 override to fund a full-time police officer was approved by voters at the June Annual Town Meeting and defeated by a vote of 111-111 at a Special Town Election.

Asked if the town would first be required to consider the override at a Special Town Meeting before holding another special election, Richardson said she would speak with state election officials.

Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.