Election Math. State Laws to Decide Tied Elections.

What is happening? Alabama is considering using a random method to determine a tied election. Currently this is allowed for county and statewide elections in Alabama. HB 144 (2022 | AL) would extend this to city elections.

Why is this important? Run offs or special elections are costly to administer. 28 states allow tied elections to be determined by drawing lots. Florida, Kentucky, and Mississippi have similar structures to Alabama.

How will this be important? Someone has to name the official coin flipper in these rare case situations.

Governing | Alabama Proposes Randomly Deciding Tied City Elections