It can be closer than you realize.

I am sure you have seen it a few times before – go vote, every vote counts. While I urge you to get out there and vote, I would like to look back today at a few cases where elections really do come down to, sometimes just one vote. These elections are more than selecting a president (while important) – your vote especially counts for the local elections where you will feel the impact of the person picked often more than on the national stage.

These elections are sometimes very close, occasionally requiring a special election to pick the winner. A few for example:

2022 New Hampshire House of Representatives

In Rochester, New Hampshire, a state House race ended in a tie with both Democrat Chuck Grassie and Republican David Walker receiving 970 votes. This tie highlighted the city’s political split. The state legislators decided to hold a special election in February to resolve the tie. Despite speculation that the Republican-controlled state House might seat Walker, a special election was held on February 21. Chuck Grassie ultimately won with over 55% of the vote, outperforming expectations for Democrats by 4%.

2017 Virginia House of Delegates

In the initial vote count, Republican David Yancey led by 13 votes, which was reduced to 10 after including provisional ballots. A recount then showed Democrat Shelly Simonds ahead by one vote. However, a three-judge panel reviewed a disputed ballot, resulting in a tie. The winner was decided by drawing lots, with Yancey winning and securing Republican control of the House 51–49. In a 2019 rematch in a redrawn district, Simonds won.

1982, 2002, & 2011 Nevada

In Nevada, ties in elections have been resolved by drawing lots, such as playing cards, dice rolls, or coin flips. This method is typically used in local races with fewer votes. The Nevada Republican Party even has bylaws for high-card draws to break ties. Notable instances include the 1982 Eureka County Democratic primary, the 2002 Esmeralda County general election, and a 2011 North Las Vegas city council primary, where candidates drew cards to determine the winner.

Close elections and ties happen a lot more often. Each vote does count in swaying who holds office, on both the national and local stages. So get out there and vote.

For more about where to vote and who will be on your ballet, visit VOTE411.

Interested in more about close elections on the national stage, check out this Britannica article.

.M