Contests across 31 states show how a single ballot and counting errors can determine who takes office
ALEXANDRIA, VA (November 3, 2026) – In its latest report, the Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) documented 1,053 elections that ended in ties or one-vote margins during the 2025–2026 election cycle, highlighting why every eligible vote and accurate election administration matter.
The report documents 707 ties and 346 one-vote contests across 31 states, bringing PILF’s broader tied elections database to 1,376 ties and 533 one-vote results.
The report’s 3 key takeaways:
- One vote can determine who wins power. More than 1,000 contests ended in ties or one-vote margins during the cycle, showing that even the smallest voting decisions can change an election’s outcome.
- Counting mistakes can change the result. In Missouri, officials found uncounted mail-ballot data on a thumb drive before certification. Those ballots changed a 24–22 township trustee result to a 24–24 tie.
- Tied elections can leave the winner to chance. Candidates have won or lost office through coin tosses and names drawn from hats, including an Iowa candidate who ran unopposed but tied with a write-in candidate.
“Every single vote matters,” said PILF President J. Christian Adams. “Just one vote could determine who wins power. Everyone eligible should vote this November.”
In Ohio, a council candidate won a coin toss before a recount confirmed a one-vote victory. In Wisconsin, a candidate voted for his opponent, tied with her, then won the deciding coin toss. Pennsylvania led the nation in tied and close contests.
Read the full report here.
The Public Interest Legal Foundation (PILF) is the nation’s only public interest law firm dedicated wholly to election integrity. The Foundation exists to assist states and others to aid the cause of election integrity and fight against lawlessness in American elections. Drawing on numerous experts in the field, PILF seeks to protect the right to vote and preserve the Constitutional framework of American elections.
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