The Spring Lake Park mayoral race in Minnesota will be decided by a random drawing of lots after both candidates, incumbent mayor Robert Nelson and challenger Hayln Roth, received 1,401 votes each in the Nov. 3 election.
The tie in the unofficial results—which accounted for 49.77% of the vote each—was confirmed by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s website, with 13 write-in votes recorded across the city’s three precincts. Under Minnesota state law, ties in municipal elections are resolved by a random selection process, as outlined in the state’s election statutes.
The city council meeting where the drawing will occur is scheduled for Monday at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall. The process will begin with a canvassing of the results to verify the tie. If confirmed, officials will print each candidate’s name on slips of paper, fold them, and place them into separate containers. These containers will then be placed into a bag, from which one name will be drawn at random to determine the next mayor.
Hayln Roth, the challenger, stated that while he does not support the method, he understands its legality. He added that he would request an official recount if he loses the drawing, emphasizing his commitment to ensuring every vote was counted accurately. Roth also encouraged residents to contact state legislators to advocate for potential reforms to the tie-breaking process.
Robert Nelson, the incumbent, has not publicly commented on the tie-breaking method. City Administrator Daniel Buchholtz confirmed the process, stating that the random selection is a long-standing state law and that he believes it is fair. The canvassing meeting is open to the public, and residents are invited to observe the proceedings.
If a recount is requested, the final determination of the election could be delayed until November 17. The clerk of the canvassing board will certify the results to the county auditor, who will serve as the final custodian of the ballots.