Jennifer Thoss Becomes Lytton Mayor After Random Draw Breaks 45–45 Election Tie

Noah Chen

10/28/20264 min read

Jennifer Thoss has been declared the new mayor of Lytton, British Columbia, following an unusual election result that required a random draw to determine the winner.

The decision came Tuesday, October 27, after a judicial recount at the Kamloops Provincial Court confirmed that Thoss and incumbent mayor Denise O'Connor had each received exactly 45 votes in the October 17 municipal election.

With neither candidate gaining an advantage through the recount, the court proceeded with a random draw, as permitted under British Columbia's local election legislation.

Thoss's name was selected, officially resolving the tied race and making her the incoming mayor of the small Fraser Canyon community.

The result marks a leadership change in a village continuing to recover from a devastating wildfire that destroyed most of its buildings in 2021.

Judicial Recount Confirms Unusual Election Deadlock

The mayoral contest initially ended without a clear winner when election officials counted 45 votes for each candidate following the October 17 municipal election.

Lytton's chief election officer, Shannon Story, subsequently applied for a judicial recount to determine whether the results would change after a formal examination of the ballots.

The recount took place at the Kamloops Provincial Court on Tuesday afternoon, with both candidates remaining tied at 45 votes.

Because the recount produced no change, election officials proceeded with a method known as drawing by lot.

Under the procedure, candidates' names are placed on separate pieces of paper, concealed and drawn randomly under court supervision.

Thoss's name was selected, ending the electoral deadlock and confirming her victory over O'Connor.

The Village of Lytton subsequently announced the result, identifying Thoss as its incoming mayor.

The municipality has scheduled its inaugural council ceremony and meeting for November 3, when the new local government is expected to begin its term.

New Mayor Promises Teamwork Amid Ongoing Rebuilding Challenges

Thoss previously served as a councillor in Lytton, having been elected to that position in 2022.

Her decision to run for mayor followed growing frustration over the pace of the community's reconstruction after the catastrophic wildfire of June 2021.

The fire killed two people and destroyed most of Lytton's buildings, forcing residents from their homes and leaving the village facing an extensive and complicated rebuilding process.

More than five years later, the community continues to work through challenges involving housing, infrastructure, local services and the return of displaced residents.

Before the election, Thoss identified concerns about the speed of reconstruction as an important reason for seeking the mayor's position.

Following the random draw, she emphasized her intention to prioritize teamwork and stronger working relationships within the municipal government.

"I'm looking at team-building right out of the gate," Thoss said, adding that she wanted council members to make effective use of their individual strengths.

She also expressed optimism about the village's future, describing Lytton as a community with significant opportunities despite the difficulties it has faced.

Thoss has previously raised concerns about the financial implications of rebuilding infrastructure and the municipality's ability to sustain operating costs with its reduced tax base.

O'Connor, who was first elected mayor in 2022, has defended the rebuilding approach, emphasizing the unusual circumstances facing a community recovering from a disaster of such magnitude.

The leadership transition comes at an important stage in Lytton's recovery, with decisions about reconstruction and municipal finances remaining central to the village's future.

Thoss Questions Whether Runoff Election Would Be More Appropriate

Although the random draw ultimately resulted in her election, Thoss had questioned whether deciding a mayoral race through chance was the most appropriate approach.

Before the result was announced, she suggested that a runoff election would make more sense when two candidates receive an equal number of votes.

A runoff would allow voters to return to the polls and choose between the candidates rather than leaving the result to a random selection.

Thoss also indicated that she would consider reviewing Lytton's election procedures bylaw after the experience.

The municipality currently permits tied elections to be resolved through a random draw following a judicial recount.

Under Section 151 of British Columbia's Local Government Act, municipalities can establish this method through their election bylaws.

If a judicial recount confirms an equal number of valid votes, the candidates' names are placed into a container and one is selected through a court-supervised process.

The candidate whose name is drawn is declared elected.

Municipalities that have not adopted this approach must instead use a runoff election to resolve a tie.

The legislation therefore allows local governments to determine in advance which procedure will apply when a municipal election produces an unresolved result.

Princeton Council Race Also Decided by Random Draw

Lytton was not the only British Columbia community where election officials turned to a random draw following the October 17 municipal elections.

In Princeton, a town in the southern Interior, candidates Paula Shackleton and Tyler Willis each received 391 votes while competing for the fourth and final council seat.

A judicial recount held Monday, October 26, confirmed that the candidates remained tied.

With neither candidate securing more votes, officials conducted a random draw, resulting in Willis being declared elected.

The outcome allowed Princeton to finalize its council membership without holding another election.

Random draws have also been used to settle earlier municipal election ties across British Columbia.

In 2018, incumbent Peachland mayor Cindy Fortin retained her position after a judicial recount confirmed a tie with challenger Harry Gough. A judge selected Fortin's name from a wooden box to determine the winner.

A similar situation occurred in Port Moody in 2022, when council candidate Amy Lubik secured a seat after her name was selected through a court-supervised draw.

Although tied elections are uncommon, these examples demonstrate how the province's electoral rules provide a final method for resolving contests when recounts cannot establish a winner.

Lytton Prepares for New Municipal Leadership

For Lytton, the election result brings an end to a closely contested mayoral race and begins a transition in local leadership.

The village, which had a population of approximately 210 residents before the 2021 wildfire, faces ongoing challenges associated with rebuilding essential infrastructure, restoring community services and supporting residents who hope to return.

The small electorate also means that a relatively limited number of ballots can have a significant effect on election results.

The 45–45 tie illustrated that reality, with neither candidate securing a lead even after a judicial review of the votes.

Thoss now takes office following a process that was determined not by a difference in voter support but through the tie-breaking procedure established under provincial law.

Her immediate responsibilities will include working with council and municipal staff as Lytton continues its recovery and addresses questions about rebuilding priorities and financial sustainability.

With the inaugural council meeting scheduled for November 3, attention will shift from the unusual election outcome to how the new administration approaches the community's long-term recovery.

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