Southern Boone election tie may be decided with drawing: ‘basically, names in a hat’

The Southern Boone Board of Education election tie could be resolved by drawing lots-a process that’s “basically names in a hat,” Ashland superintendent Chris Felmlee told ABC 17 News Thursday.

Incumbents George Carney and and Price Nichols both received 329 votes in Tuesday’s election. The results still have to be certified, but if they remain the same, Boone County Clerk Wendy Noren said there are two options: a runoff election or a drawing.

Felmlee told ABC 17 News he’s not opposed to a special election, saying he values “the democratic process.” Carney and Nichols, however, told ABC 17 News that a special election won’t be necessary because the district would have to absorb the cost.

“I’m not in favor of a special election because that costs the school district money and we have better places to spend our money than on a special election,” Carney said.

“I’m not gonna make the school pay for a special election…that option never even crossed my mind,” Nichols echoed.

Noren said her office will begin certifying election results on Tuesday, and they’ll likely be done that same day. She said voter turnout was low-only 589 people voted out of the 5,986 who were eligible.

“Probably the biggest things about the election that bothers me the most is the voter turnout…you’re electing the leaders to educate your students, I believe there should’ve been a lot more voters out,” Carney said.

You can find a full list of Tuesday’s election results here.