Coin-toss tiebreaker rule will be reviewed, says Elections PEI
Before 2008, it was up to district returning officer to cast deciding vote
Elections PEI says it plans to review whether a coin toss is the best way to resolve a tie after a judicial recount was settled by a 1982 silver dollar Tuesday night.
Progressive Conservative candidate Mary Ellen McInnis requested a recount after she lost District 5, Vernon River-Stratford in the May 4 provincial election by only two votes to Liberal incumbent Alan McIsaac.
Gary McLeod, chief electoral officer for P.E.I., said the province's Elections Act is "very clear" that a tie should be decided by a coin toss.
"I think this is the first time it has happened. So, now that it's happened, let's take a look at it and make sure it is the most efficient way and effective way."
It used to be up to the district returning officer to settle a tie by casting the deciding vote.
That is what they continue to do in Ontario and New Brunswick.
- Liberal Alan McIsaac wins seat in coin toss after recount tie
- Electoral tiebreaker rules differ across Canada
Most provinces settle a tie with a full byelection.
On Tuesday, tails meant McIsaac won; heads, McInnis would become a first-time MLA.
McLeod said the returning officer was presented with the coin. The candidates went to either side of the room and the coin was tossed into the air.
"It did bounce a little bit and rolled over by a chair," said McLeod.
"It was pretty stressful, just waiting for it to be flipped and land on the floor to see which way it was going to go," said McInnis.
"I think maybe I stepped over to it first and as soon as I realized it was tails, I just stepped away."
McIsaac will return to the legislature as minister of agriculture and fisheries.
"I put it in the good Lord's hands, and if he wants me to continue on I will. And that's what happened."