Spring Lake Park Mayoral Race Concludes in Tie, Potential Coin Flip Decision
The mayoral race in Spring Lake Park has concluded in a tie, with both incumbent Robert Nelson and challenger Halyn Roth receiving 1,401 votes. The final winner may be determined by a coin flip if a subsequent canvassing board meeting…
Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, November 5, 2026 — In a stunning electoral outcome, the mayoral race in Spring Lake Park has resulted in an exact tie. Both incumbent Mayor Robert Nelson and challenger Halyn Roth have received an equal number of votes, with final tallies showing 1,401 votes for each candidate.
The close contest has created an unprecedented situation, leaving the determination of the city’s next leader uncertain. As the results stand, neither candidate has secured a victory through the ballot count alone.
According to election procedures for such deadlocks, the final resolution may involve a coin flip. This method is contingent on the outcome of a subsequent canvassing board meeting, which will review the vote counts. If the canvassing board cannot resolve the tie through its official processes, the coin flip is expected to be the deciding factor in declaring the winner of the mayoral election.
The specific date and time for the canvassing board meeting were not provided in the initial reports. Residents of Spring Lake Park are awaiting further details on how and when this unique electoral scenario will be definitively settled. The outcome of the coin flip, if it occurs, will determine whether Mayor Nelson secures a new term or if challenger Roth will take office.
Story summarized from the original created by Joseph Swanson on kstp.com, see more information here.
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