There will be recounts in two of the six divisions in Red Deer County after ties in both Division 3 and Division 4, returning officer Nancy Lougheed told the Gazette.
In Division 3 incumbent Penny Archibald and challenger Don Church each garnered 288 votes. Challenger Darlene Schmidt got 90 votes.
In Division 4, incumbent David Hoar and challenger Connie Huelsman each garnered 328 votes.
Under the Local Authorities Election rules, when the ties were recorded in each division, Lougheed placed both names in a hat and drew out one of the names.
The person whose name was drawn – in this case Don Church in Division 3 and Connie Huelsman in Division 4 – was given one additional vote and deemed to be elected.
Once the recount is completed, if there is still a tie, then Church and Huelsman would be confirmed to be elected, she said.
Lougheed said she will likely set a date for the recounts on Oct. 22.
In Division 5 incumbent Richard Lorenz won re-election, garnering 390 votes against challenger Rod English with 277 votes and Jim Lougheed with 285. The division includes the Spruce View area.
Although he could not be reached for comment immediately following the election, Lorenz said during the campaign that he “wants to maintain consistency on council. I want to ensure quality and efficiency when providing services and be mindful of the manner in which tax dollars are utilized.”
In Division 2 Jean Marie Bota won the seat with 194 votes, defeating challengers Edward Collins with 183, Robert Schwartz with 153 and Gary Langevin with 53. The division is on the county's north side.
In Division 6 Christine Moore defeated Joe-Anne Matejka, garnering 247 votes against 88. The division is also in the county's north end.
All vote totals were unofficial Monday night.
Mayor Jim Wood and Division 1 councillor Philip Massier were elected by acclamation on Sept. 23.
