The outcome of a key Virginia House of Delegates election was just determined by the drawing of lots (specifically, in this case, via old-school film canisters in a stoneware bowl), and Republican Del. David Yancey won the race for the 94th District.
This drawing should never have happened, however. Democrat Shelly Simonds secured a one-vote win in the recount on Dec. 19, but shady Republican antics resulted in the three-judge recount panel counting an additional vote for Yancey the following day, yielding a tie. Today, the tie was broken, in accordance with state law, by the drawing of lots.Democrat Shelly Simonds has the option to ask for a recount; we're hoping she does.
Meanwhile Dean of Virginia politics Larry Sabato echoes our thinking:
A little gerrymandering goes a long way.VA Dems got a 55-45% majority in all House of Delegates contests combined in Nov. '17. 10% majority=landslide. They will get either 49% or 50% of the actual seats. And it looks like Rs will get Speaker's job and all committee chairs, regardless. Democracy, American style, 2018.— Larry Sabato (@LarrySabato) January 4, 2018
