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More than 20 contests in Ohio decided by single vote
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
More than 20 contests in last month’s general election were decided by one vote, according to a survey released Friday by the state’s chief elections official.
Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted pinpointed 14 races for local office and nine issues that either tied or won or lost by one vote.
The list included a Peninsula Village council slot in Summit County, an unexpired term for Mecca Township trustee in Trumbull County and a Baughman Township road levy in Wayne County.
All told, close to 100 races in 68 counties over the past three years have been determined by the narrowest of margins.
“A single vote can decide an election,” Husted said. “Here, we have 98 cases in the last three years where it did.”
Husted began tracking the narrow margins of victory and defeat three years ago after hearing reports of close local races.
Some won by one vote. Some lost. Tax levies and other issues that received tie votes essentially failed. And mayors, township trustees, village council members and other local offices at times have been finalized by the casting of lots – the flip of a coin or the draw of a card.
Husted said he uses the results in his speeches around the state to emphasize the importance of participating in elections.
“I’m stunned at the number of races that are literally decided by one vote,” he said, adding, “It could be your vote that makes the difference. I think it’s a very compelling fact that should encourage everybody to get out and vote.”