Lakewood Ranch Election Ends in Tie, Winner Decided by Card Draw

The race for Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 5 Board Seat 2 concluded dramatically after a draw of cards decided a tie. Candidates Michael Scott Defferding and Steven H. Peters received 584 votes in the Nov. 5 election, a rare outcome highlighting every single vote's importance.

The close race initially favored Peters after machine and manual recounts put him ahead by one vote. However, the arrival of a valid absentee ballot under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act again tied the race.

Florida law mandates that tied elections be resolved by "drawing lots," and the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections convened a public canvassing board meeting to determine the winner. Representatives for each candidate drew cards to break the tie. Peters' representative drew 10 of clubs, outscoring Defferding's 5 of clubs and securing his victory.

Peters will now serve his second term in the seat, following an election that saw an 82.61 percent voter turnout in Manatee County, with 232,789 ballots cast. This unprecedented result underscores the weight of civic engagement and the meticulous processes in place to ensure fair outcomes.