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Emery County School Board race decided by drawing straws

Posted at 4:22 PM, Nov 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-28 19:19:05-05

SALT LAKE CITY -- Do you need more proof that every vote counts?

A race for school board in rural Utah was decided by drawing straws. Election results show that in the race for Emery County School Board, Tracey Johnson and Julie Wilson tied at 444 votes each just after Election Day.

The Emery County Clerk's Office told FOX 13 that with four votes outstanding, they were sure they'd have a winner. Those votes split, giving both Johnson and Wilson 446 votes each.

To settle it, the candidates drew straws -- with the long straw being the winner. The clerk's office told FOX 13 that Johnson drew the long straw and is now on the school board.

"We were kept in suspense until the candidates met at 5:00 p.m. last night to DRAW STRAWS," the Emery County School District said in a Facebook post. "Yes, you read that correctly . . . they drew straws to break the tie with TRACEY JOHNSON coming away with the win."