“This bill ensures elections are decided by voters, not by chance,” Townley said. “I was surprised to learn that races could be settled by a random drawing. With the technology we have, there’s no reason a tied election can’t go to a runoff. This bill takes that step to make our elections fair and transparent.”
House Bill 1678 amends Title 26, Section 8-105 of Oklahoma Statutes, directing that if a tie vote occurs, a second vote will be scheduled for the next available election date. Additionally, if the tie persists after the second vote, the race would be decided by a public drawing conducted by the election board.
The bill, inspired by the 2024 primary election in Carter County where a sheriff’s race was decided by a random drawing after a tie, aims to modernize election procedures to prevent outcomes based on luck. Townley’s office began working on the proposal immediately after learning that a race could be determined by a drawing instead of by the people.
“Oklahomans deserve a process that is fair and reflects their votes, not one that relies on chance,” Townley added.
HB1678 passed the House 56-28 and now moves to the Senate for further consideration. If passed and signed into law, the bill will take effect on Nov. 1, 2025.
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