Even though last night’s election results didn’t hold many surprises, the tight race between sitting council members Victoria Wilson and Jim Handley was definitely a highlight.
Handley managed to amass 1,454 total votes — just three more than Wilson's 1,451.
The razor-close result triggers the obvious question: Should there be a recount? But according to City Hall, an automatic recount only occurs if there is an actual tie between two candidates.
"The clerk shall hold a recount of the votes for two or more candidates who receive the same number of votes and cannot both or all be declared election to the office," reads the city's election recount policy.
Asked if she would challenge the result, Wilson refused to comment when contacted by ThoroldToday.
“It’s very fresh,” she said.
Handley also declined to comment on the results.
Overall, voter turnout was much lower this year when compared to 2018.
5,219 ballots were cast in 2018, compared to 4,508 ballots in yesterday's election.
The steep drop in numbers was also reflected in each councillor's number of votes.
Back in 2018, Handley placed fourth with 2,222 votes. That same election, Wilson came in fifth with 2,199 votes. The difference between the two candidates consisted of only 23 votes.
