Key Alaska state House race tied

An election that could determine control of the Alaska House of Representatives is tied, according to pre-recount figures released by the state’s elections division.

The Anchorage Daily News reported Wednesday that Republican candidate Bart LeBon and Democratic candidate Kathryn Dodge each claimed 2,161 votes in the race for Alaska’s House District 1.

{mosads}If LeBon wins, Republicans will hold 21 seats in the state’s lower chamber — the minimum needed for a majority, according to the paper. If Dodge wins, the chamber will be split 20-20.

LeBon held a 79-vote lead over Dodge on Election Day. One week later, after elections officials tallied uncounted early votes and questioned ballots, the paper reported, Dodge took a 10-vote lead. Three days later, LeBon reclaimed the lead by five votes after absentee ballots were counted. 

On Wednesday, election officials found seven ballots that weren’t read properly by voting machines, Division of Elections Director Josie Bahnke told the Daily News. Of those ballots, six went toward Dodge and one for LeBon, bringing the race to a tie.

According to the outlet, officials will audit further absentee ballots on Friday that will cover around 600 ballots.

The results of the election will be certified on Monday.

If the result is still a tie, a recount will be triggered under state law. The recount would take place on Nov. 30, the Daily News reported.

If the election is still a tie following the recount, the winner of the election will be determined by a coin flip, according to state law. Candidates are also able to challenge the result in court.