By Mike Ward, CCE, IOM
Senior Vice President, Government & Public Affairs
Just ask the people in Guntersville, Alabama about close elections. Following the 2004 Mayor’s race, just two votes separated the incumbent, James Townson, from the challenger, Bob Hembree. Two voters contested the result. The trial court changed the tally to 1226-1228, so that Hembree now won by two votes. Townson appealed. The Alabama Supreme Court decided that 30 absentee votes for Townson were invalid and Hembree won, but did not give any final official tally.
And who could forget the 2000 race for President of the US, when a mere 537 votes in Florida became the determining factor in the national election.
There have even been a number of tied elections. The 2015 Mississippi State Legislative district 79 race resulted in a 9,178 vote tie. The Democrat incumbent Blaine Eaton initially won re-election over Republican Mark Tullos by drawing the long straw. However, Tullos asked the State House to seat him, and they did so in a largely party-line vote.
For a more complete listing of close elections, check out the Wikipedia page and remember that YOUR VOTE COUNTS and vote on Tuesday, Sept. 26 in the Senate Republican Primary run-off election. Only those who voted in the Democratic primary election in August are not allowed to vote in the run-off election.
Not sure where you vote? Visit Alabamavotes.gov.