Every vote matters: Recount finds an extra vote in Lake County commissioner tie

TWO HARBORS, Minn. - Lake County commissioner candidates who were tied with 99 votes after a special election earlier this month were spared a blind draw — or any form of physical challenge — to determine who advances to the general election.

Judges found one more vote for Joe Baltich on Friday morning during a recount at the Lake County Law Enforcement Center, earning him a spot on the Nov. 7 general election ballot.

Don't count out Colby Abazs, though. The deadlock showed him that it's a tight race and he said he is considering a write-in campaign. Jack Nelson of Finland automatically advanced with the most votes Aug. 8.

The special election is to fill the First District vacancy left after commissioner Pete Walsh died in January.

County Auditor Linda Libal laid out the rules for the dozen or so officials and spectators gathered in a conference room. If the recount didn't break the tie, a candidate would be selected by lot — in this case, a name blindly drawn from a container.

"'By lot' is kind of a vague situation, so this is what we decided on," Libal said, earning laughs when she added that candidates would not need to arm wrestle or face off in a push-up challenge.

The ballots were sealed in white envelopes and brought to the room in a cardboard box. Judges went through several bundles, eyeing each individual sheet of paper and manually tallying the votes. Candidates sat at the tables and watched — a good-humored process that took less than an hour.

"It's not like we're in New York City," quipped election judge Gerry Graden, commenting on the fast-paced finale.

In the end, Libal announced that Baltich had secured an extra vote that the computer tallies didn't track. He ended with 100 — and the chance to move on in the election. Abazs stayed at 99 votes and another close contender, Paul B. Hartshorn, still had 97.

"I wanted a cage match," joked Baltich. "I've been training all week."

Baltich, 62, was the mayor of Ely for a single term in the mid-1980s, but found he preferred serving on the City Council. His run in politics ended when he decided to focus on his career. He owns Northwind Lodge near Ely and is a visual artist.

"I'm thrilled," he said of the results. "I really thought we were going to have to do a coin toss. Now I know how important voting is."