Nelson Wins Spring Lake Park Mayoral Tie Breaker After 1,401-Vote Dead Heat
A random draw at City Hall determined the winner after state law required a chance-based resolution to the exact electoral tie.
By Alina Marshall ·
Incumbent Mayor Bob Nelson of Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, secured the mayor's office on Monday through a random drawing. The decision followed an election last week that ended in a precise deadlock. Both Nelson and challenger Halyn Roth received exactly 1,401 votes each. State law mandates that tied elections be settled by chance, forcing the city to use a physical draw to determine the victor.
The process took place at Spring Lake Park City Hall. Officials placed each candidate's name into separate canisters before combining them into a single bag. City Council member Barbara Goodboe-Bisschoff reached into the bag and pulled Nelson's name, officially designating him the winner. Despite the outcome, Nelson expressed dissatisfaction with the method used to break the tie. He described the procedure as outdated, noting that it feels like a practice from the 1800s rather than a modern process for 2026. Nelson stated there is room for improvement in how such ties are handled.
Challenger Halyn Roth accepted the result, though he acknowledged public frustration with the system. Roth said the process was as fair as possible given the constraints. He suggested that citizens who want a different method should contact their state legislators to request changes. Roth noted that if the rules are to change, elected officials must act on those demands. The two candidates disagreed on the ideal alternative solution. Nelson preferred a runoff election to resolve the tie. City Administrator Daniel Buchholtz countered that a runoff would cost the city $30,000, making it a financially heavy option.
The race may still be in flux. Roth announced plans to file paperwork seeking a formal recount of the votes. He expressed confidence in the election process but admitted that recounts occasionally reveal discrepancies. Roth said he is confident the election was conducted well, yet he remains open to the possibility of finding additional votes. The recount is scheduled for Nov. 17 at the Anoka County Courthouse. If the recount results in another exact tie, Nelson will remain mayor based on the initial drawing.
