Spring Lake Park Mayor election results in tie, with winner to be chosen by lot

SPRING LAKE PARK, Minn. (FOX 9) - The City of Spring Lake Park announced that its mayoral candidates, Robert Nelson and Halyn Roth, are tied, with both earning exactly 1,401 votes in the election.

READ MORE: Election recounts in Minnesota: How do they work and who pays for them?

Mayoral candidates tie in Spring Lake Park 

Big picture view:

Minnesota law states that in the event of a tie, the result of the election is determined "by lot," meaning the city's next mayor will be decided by a game of chance. 

City officials say they are planning a random drawing of the candidates' names during the next city council meeting.

The unlucky candidate whose name is not drawn will then have seven days to request a recount that will be funded by the public. 

Minnesota law also states that a losing candidate for public office can request a state-funded hand recount of the vote if the difference between the candidates is less than 0.5% of the total votes cast. 

The outcome will determine who serves as mayor of the Anoka County city for a two-year term.

By the numbers:

Results show there were also 12 votes for write-in candidates. 

‘Every vote really does count’ 

What they're saying:

Roth said Wednesday that, assuming the results remain unchanged and Nelson wins the drawing, he plans to request a recount.

Nelson, the incumbent mayor, has not yet responded to an inquiry from FOX 9 asking if he plans to do the same, but this story will be updated if a response is received. 

"It’s certainly an unusual situation and a good reminder that every vote really does count!" City Administrator Daniel Buchholtz said in an email.

What's next:

City officials plan to conduct a random drawing of the candidates’ names during the next public meeting on Nov. 9.

That meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Spring Lake Park City Hall, and the public is invited to attend.

The Source: This story uses information shared by Spring Lake Park officials and the Minnesota Secretary of State.