Burrton mayoral race turns into a nailbiter

A write-in campaign by Rusty Walter of Burrton may have been successful, or it may have fallen one vote short.

Walter received 63 votes in Tuesday’s election — one less than current mayor Terry Leonard grabbed with 64.

But there are 10 other write-in votes, including one for “Rusty Baker.” There is one additional provisional ballot.

“I’ll call the secretary of state office tomorrow,” said county clerk Joyce Truskett Tuesday night. “I’ll ask what I use for voter intent.”

If the secretary of state says according to voter intent laws the Rusty Baker vote is to move into the Walter column, the vote is tied. Truskett said the clerk’s office will perform a recount of the ballots today, regardless of how voter intent law affects the Baker ballot.

Truskett said she’s unsure what will be done in case of a tie.