Source: SFGate
“A city council race in the Central Valley was decided by drawing straws. Three candidates were competing for two open seats on the Galt City Council in this year’s general election. One candidate, Tim Reed, easily won one of the two open seats after securing 5,870 votes. But the two other candidates, Mathew Pratton and Bonnie Rodriguez, tied with 3,882 votes each, according to the Sacramento County Registrar of Voters. … A measure reportedly adopted by city voters earlier this year calls for election ties to be decided by drawing straws. The person who draws the short straw loses the contest. Before Tuesday’s council meeting, Pratton and Rodriguez met in the chamber to draw one of three green straws held by Galt police Chief Brian Kalinowski. Pratton — who picked first — drew a long straw, while Rodriguez drew a short one.” (12/09/24)