Deciding the Winner in Local Elections: Understanding Resolutions for Tied Votes

October 14, 2025

Tight Races and Potential Coin Flips: New Zealand Local Elections on a Knife-Edge

Anxious Candidates Await Final Results as Several Local Elections Remain Undecided. The outcome of multiple New Zealand council elections hangs in the balance as provisional results reveal incredibly tight contests, leaving hopefuls in a state of suspense.

The closest battles are unfolding in Invercargill, Westland, and Kaipara, where just a handful of votes separate the leading contenders. Local authorities are diligently processing special votes, with definitive results anticipated later this week. but what happens when the vote count ends in a perfect tie?

The Possibility of a Dead Heat

Invercargill City Council officials have clarified that in the event of an exact tie,the winner will be persistent thru a process known as “lots,” as outlined in electoral legislation. This time-honored practice involves randomized selection, potentially through methods as simple as drawing straws. This isn’t unprecedented; in 2019, a Whakatāne council seat was initially decided by a coin flip, though a subsequent recount revealed the original loser had, in fact, won by a single vote.

The race for a council seat in Invercargill is notably precarious, with onyl 106 votes distinguishing four candidates, and 904 special votes yet to be tallied. Lisa Tou McNaughton currently holds a narrow lead with 5564 votes,followed closely by ian Reeves at 5557. Both candidates have expressed philosophical acceptance of whatever the final count may be. Tou McNaughton noted the result was in ‘God’s Hands’ while Reeves stated simply, ‘What will be, will be’.

Key Contests and Preliminary Results

Lynley McKerrow, david Meades, and Karl Herman remain within striking distance in the Invercargill race. Despite the uncertainty, both Tou McNaughton and Reeves have been invited to a council induction scheduled for Wednesday.

Elsewhere in Southland, Tom Campbell has secured the mayoralty in Invercargill, while Rob Scott and Ben bell have been re-elected as mayors of the Southland and Gore districts, respectively.

Position	Candidate	Votes
Mayoralty (Invercargill)	Tom Campbell	6815
Council (Invercargill) – Top 5	Steve Broad	11,143
	Alex Crackett	9703
	Grant Dermody	8129
	Marcus Lush	8128
	Trish Boyle	7267

Did You Know? The use of “lots” to resolve ties dates back to ancient times, highlighting a long-standing need for impartial decision-making when outcomes are evenly balanced.

Pro Tip: Checking your local council’s website for preliminary results and updates is the best way to stay informed about the election outcome in your area.

The History of Tie-Breaking in Elections

Historically, methods for resolving tied elections have been varied and often fascinating. From coin flips to drawing straws, these procedures underscore the importance of ensuring fairness and impartiality when a clear winner cannot be determined through the initial vote count. Modern electoral legislation, like that in New Zealand, provides a structured approach to these rare occurrences, though the spirit of randomized selection remains.

The increasing use of proportional portrayal in some countries has also reduced the likelihood of ties, as it often allows for more nuanced outcomes. Though, when ties do occur, they serve as a reminder of the fragility of democratic processes and the need for clear, transparent procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tied Elections

What happens if a local election results in a tie?

In New Zealand,a tie is typically resolved by a process of “lots,” such as drawing straws,as stipulated by electoral legislation.

Is a coin flip a common way to break an election tie?

While not standard practice, a coin flip was used to initially resolve a Whakatāne council seat in 2019, but a recount later overturned the result.

How many special votes are still to be counted in Invercargill?

There are 904 special votes still outstanding in the Invercargill City Council election.

What is the margin of votes separating the leading candidates in Invercargill?

Lisa Tou McNaughton currently leads with 5564 votes,followed by Ian Reeves with 5557 votes – a difference of just seven votes.

What is the meaning of the ‘lots’ system?

The ‘lots’ system is a historic method of randomized selection to ensure fairness when a clear winner is not immediately apparent.

What are your thoughts on using random selection methods to resolve tied elections? Do you think there’s a better way to handle such situations?

Share this article with your friends and join the conversation!

How does the process of election canvassing perhaps impact the resolution of a tied vote?

What Happens When Local Election Results are a Tie?

A tied vote in a local election – whether for mayor, city council, school board, or other positions – isn’t uncommon, but it throws a wrench into the standard election process. While dramatic recounts often dominate headlines in national elections, tied local votes require specific, legally defined resolutions. Understanding these procedures is crucial for voters, candidates, and election officials alike. This article breaks down the common methods used to break a tie and what you need to know about election tiebreakers, tied vote procedures, and local election disputes.

Common Methods for Resolving Tied Votes

Several methods are employed to determine a winner when candidates receive an identical number of votes.The specific method depends heavily on state and local laws, as well as the election’s governing rules. Here’s a look at the most frequent approaches:

* Coin Flip: Perhaps the most well-known, and often perceived as the most arbitrary, a coin flip is a legally permissible method in some jurisdictions. Its typically used as a last resort when other methods are unavailable or have failed to produce a clear winner.

* Drawing of Lots: Similar to a coin flip, this involves randomly selecting a winner, often by drawing names from a hat. This method aims for impartiality but relies entirely on chance.

* Runoff Election: A runoff election is a new election held between the tied candidates. This is often considered the most democratic solution, allowing voters a second chance to express their preference. Runoff elections can be costly and time-consuming, but they ensure the winner has a clear majority.

* Lottery System: Some jurisdictions utilize a lottery system, where a random number generator or similar method is used to select a winner.

* Review of Absentee/Provisional Ballots: A thorough review of any remaining absentee or provisional ballots can sometimes reveal a discrepancy and break the tie. This is a standard procedure in many post-election audits.

* Appointment by Governing Body: In certain cases, the governing body (e.g.,city council,county commission) may have the authority to appoint a winner from among the tied candidates.

The Role of State and Local Election Laws

The rules governing tied votes are persistent at the state and local levels. There is no federal law dictating how these situations must be handled. this means procedures can vary considerably from one location to another.

* State Statutes: State election laws frequently enough provide a framework for resolving ties, outlining permissible methods and procedures.

* Local Ordinances: Cities and counties may have their own ordinances that supplement state laws, providing more specific guidance for local elections.

* Election Canvassing: The official process of counting and verifying votes,known as election canvassing,is critical. Any discrepancies discovered during canvassing can impact the tie-breaking process.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Tied vote Resolutions

Several high-profile tied vote scenarios have highlighted the complexities of these situations:

* 2019 Mercer Island, Washington City Council Race: A tie between candidates led to a coin flip, which was televised and ultimately determined the winner. This case sparked debate about the fairness of relying on chance.

* 2018 Democratic Primary in New Jersey’s 8th Legislative District: A tied vote necessitated a recount and ultimately a special runoff election to determine the nominee.

* Numerous Mayoral Races: Throughout the US, small-town mayoral races have frequently been decided by coin flips or drawings of lots, often attracting local media attention.

These examples demonstrate the diverse approaches taken and the potential for controversy when a tie occurs.

Benefits of Different Resolution Methods

Each method for resolving tied votes has its own advantages and disadvantages:

Method	Benefits	Drawbacks
Runoff Election	Most democratic; allows voters to re-evaluate candidates.	Costly; time-consuming; potential for lower voter turnout.
Coin Flip/Lottery	Quick; inexpensive; avoids further campaigning.	Perceived as unfair; relies entirely on chance.
Review of ballots	Utilizes existing data; avoids additional costs.	May not always resolve the tie; potential for disputes over ballot validity.
Appointment	Efficient; avoids further election costs.	Can be seen as undemocratic; potential for political influence.

Practical Tips for Voters and Candidates

* know Your Local Election Laws: Familiarize yourself with the specific procedures in your jurisdiction for resolving tied votes.

* Understand the Canvassing Process: Be aware of the timeline for election canvassing and the opportunity to observe the process.

* Prepare for Potential Recounts: If you are a candidate, be prepared for the possibility of a recount and have a plan in place.

* Advocate for Clear Rules: Encourage local election officials to establish clear and obvious procedures for resolving tied votes.

* Stay Informed: Follow local news and election updates to stay informed about any