Yes.
South Dakota state law governing municipal elections dictates that lots are drawn in the event of a tie in a city election.
The Sioux Falls mayoral race is headed for a likely recount after more than 36,000 votes were counted in a runoff election Tuesday. Christine Erickson leads by just two votes over Jamie Smith as of Wednesday night.
The Sioux Falls City Council is expected to certify the election results next week, at which point the losing candidate must file a written request for a recount.
If the recount ends in a tie, the finance officer will direct the drawing of lots, according to state law.
On June 22, two candidates for the Republican Party precinct position in District 9 were decided by a drawing of playing cards after each candidate received 152 votes. In 2021, Tracy Peterson won the Baltic mayor's race after a tie through the same tiebreaker.
This fact brief responds to claims such as this one.
Sources:
The Dakota Scout, Winner of Sioux Falls mayoral race won't be decided for weeks
South Dakota Codified Laws, South Dakota Codified laws, 9-13-27.2. Tie vote - Recount - Determination by lot
South Dakota Secretary of State Office, Municipal and School Recount Manual
Dakota News Now, Election tie breaker decided with card draw
Dakota News Now, Baltic mayor's race decided by luck of the draw
