NSW council left without a mayor after names ‘drawn out of a hat’ in election tie-break bungle
Clarence Valley councillor incorrectly elected after random draw that should have eliminated him Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast A local council in northern New South Wales is without a mayor after a bungled election tie-break meant a candidate whose name was drawn “out of a hat” was wrongly told he had lost. Clarence Valley councillors Peter Johnstone and Ray Smith…
A local council in northern New South Wales is currently without a mayor following a mishap during an election tie-break. Clarence Valley councillor Ray Smith was mistakenly declared the mayor after his name was drawn randomly from a hat – despite the law stating that the elected candidate would be eliminated. Both Smith and Peter Johnstone were tied on votes for mayor after a ballot of other councillors.
General Manager Laura Black, acting as the returning officer, incorrectly declared that whoever was chosen would be eliminated before drawing the name. Smith's name was drawn, leading to Johnstone's unexpected election as mayor. The council has sought confirmation from the Office of Local Government regarding the proper course of action to rectify the mistake.
Johnstone has since resigned as mayor, pending a new vote, which was postponed as the council sought legal advice.
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