Balance Of Power (Still Hasn't) Flipped In Virginia Over Single Vote As Drawing For Winner Is Delayed

Updated December 27, 2017: The random drawing to finally decide the winner in a Virginia House of Delegates race that could flip the balance of power for the first time in 17 years was supposed to be today, but has been postponed. Democratic candidate Shelly Simonds has filed to legally fight the ruling of a recount court early last week.

The recount court chose to count a contested ballot for the Republican incumbent, but Simonds' lawyers are fighting that ruling, according to the New York Times.

Updated December 21, 2017: After a ballot on which the voter seemed to vote for both candidates was given to GOP incumbent David Yancey, the Virginia Delegate race has been certified by a 3-judge panel as tied 11,608 to 11,608.

CNBC reports that by state law an official from the Board of Elections will draw the winner at random on December 27.

What’s the story?

State politics largely falls outside of Countable’s purview, but we’re democracy geeks over here, so we just have to point out…every vote really does matter. Tuesday night a recount for the 94th district in the Virginia House of Delegates made Democrat Shelly Simonds the winner by one vote. One vote!

Simonds’ single-vote victory splits the Virginia House of Delegates exactly down the middle for the first time since 1998. With an even split, the Washington Post reports, "Committee chairs have to be negotiated, as does the person who will serve as speaker. With the parties split 50-50, there is no mechanism to break ties, and any legislation short of 51 votes does not advance."

Over in the Virginia Senate, the Republicans maintain a narrow lead, with 21 versus 19 seats. But with a Democratic governor and lieutenant governor available to exercise veto power and break ties, bipartisanship will have to become the rule rather than the exception.

Two other recounts for Virginia House of Delegates seats are underway, which could tilt the balance firmly in Democrats favor, but the Republican candidates lead by much larger numbers in those contests. Simonds’ opponent, incumbent David Yancey, went into their recount only leading by 10 votes.

Simonds win has to be certified by a 3-judge panel Wednesday before it’s official.

What do you think?

If this even balance of power brings true bipartisanship to Virginia, is that a good thing? What do you think, seeing such a big shift in power hang on a single vote?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

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— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Dept. Of Defense / Creative Commons )