It came down to a coin toss for a tied primary race in Mille Lacs County. When a ballot recount still resulted in a tie, officials decided the winner with a flip.
Candidates Aaron James Plumski and Diana Klages — running for District 3, which includes the cities of Milaca and Foreston — each received 79 votes in the primary and recount. Klages won the coin toss, said County Auditor-Treasurer Brenda Eklund.
Klages will face Jay Munson in the general election. Incumbent Phil Peterson did not seek re-election.
A tight race for a seat on the Bemidji City Council also resulted in ballot recount that yielded the same result without a coin toss.
Incumbent Lynn Eaton came out on top with 126 votes in Ward 5, which stretches along the southeast shores of Lake Bemidji. There was a seven-vote difference between his two challengers.
Michael Meehlhause requested a recount after coming in last with 99 votes. Bill Batchelder garnered 106 votes. Batchelder was determined the winner again in the recount Wednesday. He will face Eaton in the Nov. 5 general election.
A spokesperson with the Office of Minnesota Secretary of State said there were five other contests from the Aug. 13 primary that fell within the margins to be eligible for a publicly funded recount— so long as someone requested a recount.
The other recount-eligible races were for commissioner seats in Jackson and Clearwater counties, the Austin City Council, a special election for town supervisor of Oak Valley Township and a ballot question in Newfolden regarding Sunday liquor sales.
