North Pelham Election That Ended in a Tie in 1901 Was Decided by Drawing Lots

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When the election for the Village of North Pelham President (i.e., Mayor) ended in March, 1901, the Republican and Democratic nominees were tied. Thus, the election was decided by drawing lots from a hat. The New-York Tribune reported on the development as follows.

"DREW LOTS FOR VILLAGE OFFICES.

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TIE IN NORTH PELHAM--DEMOCRATS WIN FINALLY, AND THERE MAY BE A CONTEST.

The tie between the Republican and Democratic nominees at the election in North Pelham on Tuesday was settled yesterday by the village trustees in an unexpected way. The outcome, while it may be entirely acceptable to the Democratic candidates, is not likely to be satisfactory to their opponents, as it deprives them of all the offices. After the polls were closed Michael J. Lynch, the Democratic candidate for village president and his Republican opponent, William Edinger, had received 77 votes each. They drew lots from a hat, and the choice fell to Lynch, who was immediately declared elected to a sixth term.

David Lyon, Republican, and John T. Logan, Democrat, candidates for collector of taxes, were also tied, having received 78 votes each. In their case the village trustees followed the same procedure, and again the Democrat was successful.

Mr. Edinger did not attend the drawing. It was reported that he had gone to see lawyers about instituting a contest. Edinger contends that the election officers had no right to declare the election a tie, as there was one vote at least thrown out as defective which should have been counted for him. This vote, he says, would also have elected Lyon."

Source: Drew Lots for Village Offices, New-York Tribune, Mar. 21, 1901, p. 4, col. 6.

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