Berlin council members have asked staff to draft a policy to allow for a special run-off election in the event of a tie vote.
During a meeting March 25, the Berlin Mayor and Council deliberated over the best way to break a tie in an election. Pictured, from left, are Council Vice President Dean Burrell, Mayor Zack Tyndall and Councilman Jay Knerr. Charlene Sharpe/Bayside Gazette
By Charlene Sharpe, Associate Editor
With an election coming in the fall, Berlin officials agreed to institute a policy to address tie votes.
Town council members asked staff to draft a policy to allow for a special run-off election in the event of a tie vote.
“Last election we came very close to a tie vote,” Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said. “As it turns out the state requires us to have measures in place to address tie votes.”
Bohlen said in preparation for the upcoming election cycle, she realized the town needed to incorporate a policy to decide a tie vote in case there was one. She said options included flipping a coin, drawing straws or rolling dice. The staff recommendation provided in the council’s packet was to utilize the dice roll or high card option as there was no cost and the vacancy could be decided at the next council meeting following the election.
“You will find every method under the sun out there,” Bohlen said. “It just comes down to how you want to do it.”
Mayor Zack Tyndall said he recommends a runoff election. Bohlen said the only disadvantage with that was that it would take time and could be happening close to county, state or national elections. The state requires that a vacancy from a tie vote be filled within 90 days of the election.
Councilmen Steve Green and Jack Orris said they supported a run-off election.
“I agree with the human vote,” Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols said.
The council is expected to review a draft ordinance incorporating the plan for a run-off election in the event of a tie at its April 8 meeting. A public hearing will be held April 22.