Virginia election officials delay name-drawing in tied election

The Virginia State Board of Elections on Tuesday postponed plans to draw lots to decide the winner of a tied state legislative election that will determine which party controls the House of Delegates, The Washington Post reported. The announcement came after Democratic challenger Shelly Simonds said she would challenge a court's decision to reject her one-vote win by counting a previously rejected ballot for Republican incumbent Del. David Yancey. That ruling left the vote tied, which by law requires the winner to be determined by drawing the name of one of the candidates.

"Drawing names is an action of last resort," the board said, according to the Post. "Any substantive concerns regarding the election or recount should be resolved before a random drawing is conducted."

If Simonds wins, the chamber will be split 50-50 when the new legislature convenes on Jan. 10.

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