A municipal election in Ontario can come down to a name drawn from a hat.
That’s what happened Thursday in Norfolk County, where a recount left two council candidates tied at 858 votes apiece.
Independent Haldimand–Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady had already called for a change. She tabled a motion at Queen’s Park on Tuesday, November 3, two days before the recount.
Incumbent Chris Van Paassen and challenger Jeni Lambert finished tied in Norfolk County’s Ward 4 race in the October 26 municipal election.
Thursday’s recount left the totals unchanged, and County Clerk William Tigert drew Van Paassen’s name from a hat. Van Paassen was selected to retain the seat, pending a formal declaration.
When Brady spoke in the legislature before the recount, Norfolk County was still waiting to find out whether a draw would be needed.
In an interview before the recount, Lambert said she would prefer a second vote between the tied candidates.
She pointed to the 410 votes cast for third-place candidate Drew Hemsley, arguing that those voters should have a chance to choose between the two remaining candidates.
After the draw, both candidates told us they would like to see a different way of resolving ties in future elections.
Lambert says she plans to keep pressing for change.
Brady’s motion does not change how the Norfolk race is settled.
Under the current law, when a recount leaves candidates tied for a seat they cannot both hold, the clerk must choose the successful candidate by lot.
Written by: Matt LeBlanc
