A Republican has narrowly won a Virginia state House of Delegates race after the tied outcome was settled by pulling his name from a ceramic bowl. David Yancey’s victory preserves the Republican Party’s slim majority in the chamber, although the result could still be challenged by his Democratic opponent.
The draw took place at a Virginia elections board meeting, where officials placed each candidate’s name in separate film canisters before depositing them in a blue-and-white ceramic bowl made by a local artist. Yancey’s name was chosen first, making him the winner of the 94th District race. It was the first time in nearly 50 years that a legislative seat in Virginia was decided by drawing lots.
The contest had been exceptionally close. Democrat Shelly Simonds initially appeared to lose by 10 votes, but a recount on 19 November put her ahead by a single vote. The following day, a three-judge panel declared the race a tie after a previously uncounted ballot was found. That ballot had marks for both candidates, with a slash through Simonds’s name, and was only identified after a Republican official raised concerns.
Simonds could still request another recount, which would likely delay the final declaration until after the 2018 legislative session begins next week. Even if that happens, Republicans would retain a 50-49 advantage for electing a speaker and making committee assignments. Meanwhile, another House race in northern Virginia is under legal scrutiny after at least 147 ballots were assigned to the wrong districts, which could shift the balance of power again.
