Ojai Elections: What Happens If There Is A Tie?
Here we are! The River of Life has brought us to this day. It's easy to be philosophical about the outcome of a small-town City Council Election, but I cannot imagine the state of mind of Barack Obama and John McCain as the clock is ticking down.
Yesterday I met with Carlon Strobel, our wonderful Ojai City Clerk, and she reminded me of what happens if there is a tie. Here in our small town, where only about 8,000 residents live within the City Limit, (approximately 4,800 registered voters), if a candidate loses by even a single vote, there is no provision for a recount. Therefore... if it's a tie.... the winner is determined by A TOSS OF THE COIN! (Or, they can pick straws. Either way, it's in the hands of fate.)
So in case there are any undecided voters, here are my
Endorsements from the Ojai Community and Beyond
FrancinaSuzaflyer.pdf
"Ms. Francina provides the council a different perspective. She represents much of what defines Ojai. There's the yoga, the bicycling, the championing of the environment and infectious enthusiasm for all things Ojai. Add to that her previous experience on the council. At her interview with the Editorial Board, Ms. Francina, an Ojai resident for 51 years, laid out many dog-eared copies of books on sustainable city planning, including the city's Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which she supported when she was on the council. She said she envisions Ojai as a small town that is "better, not bigger."
--Ventura County Star Endorsement, October 20, 2008
"With all of us facing an economic time of troubles that may be hard to bear, we need local leaders who can encourage the best in us, leaders like Suza Francina."
--Clive Leeman
" We need Suza Francina on the City Council again. She is a peaceful, sensitive person with that special intelligence that we all notice immediately."
--Elaine Needham
"My family came to Ojai in 1969. I am always hoping that a candidate will come along who embodies an earth-friendly worldview. Suza is such a candidate. Think what the planet might be like today if we, as a society, had supported more of those ideas in the 1970's, when we first promoted them. Let's get Suza elected and see if we can finally bring some of these sensible ideas to fruition."
-- Lanny Kaufer
"A little before her time, Suza's agenda from the 90's represents the very issues now being urgently considered world wide. With Suza back in office, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan will come off the shelf and be put back on the table for action. Green building standards, responsible development and environmental issues will move forward with her strong and persistent voice on the council. Suza will also be an outspoken advocate for the Stop the Trucks Coalition. And as a small business owner, Suza understands the problems faced by our business community and will work on behalf of those interests. I welcome the opportunity to support Suza Francina's candidacy. A vote for Suza is a vote for Ojai."
-- Dale Hanson, Ojai Citizen of the Year
Suza is endorsed by many individuals, groups and organizations, including the National Women's Political Caucus of Ventura County and the Ojai Peace Coalition.
To view more endorsements and learn about Suza's vision for Ojai, please visit SuzaForOjai.com
"The Citizens of Ojai deserve transparent and financially responsible government."
Preserve the Spirit of Ojai
Please VOTE today for a Green and Sustainable Ojai!
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Comments (5)
What happens if there is a tie in the presidential election?
The House of representatives will vote to decide the presidency.
A McCain-Obama tie is possible:
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE4941C220081005
Comment #1 Posted by: Anonymous | November 4, 2008 07:48 AM
Best wishes for a succesful campaign Suza. I don't live in the city limits, but if I did you would have my vote, you and Betsy Clapp. Time to get rid of those two seat heaters and bring change to the council.
Comment #2 Posted by: Shangrilalife | November 4, 2008 08:12 AM
Thanks, Shangrilalife, for your support.
In case anyone wonders, I want to clarify my comment about "tossing a coin" if there is a tie. If the election is very close, (as it was in 2006), the candidate may request a recount. However, the risk is that if the results are still not in their favor, they are obligated to pay the cost. If the results are in their favor, the City pays...
Comment #3 Posted by: Suza | November 4, 2008 11:59 AM
Anon 7:48am,
That article is almost a month old, and it was wrong even back then. A tie is extremely unlikely between Obama and McCain.
Comment #4 Posted by: spk | November 4, 2008 12:34 PM
Suza is in fourth place with 16% reporting? how can this be?? c'mon Ojai!!!
Comment #5 Posted by: evan austin | November 4, 2008 10:41 PM