Norman Runoff Candidates Could Be Determined By Drawing Name From Hat

News9.com

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The Ward 7 city council seat will be a runoff between two candidates, but a game of chance could determine who one of those candidates will be.

Linda Lockett received 48 percent of the vote, but did not receive the 50 percent needed to win the election outright. Brande Kaufmann and Stephen Holman each received 26 percent of the votes (89 votes each).  Because they both cannot be in the runoff election, the Cleveland County Election Board will draw a name from a hat to determine which candidate will run.  To avoid this, both candidates must file for a recount.  They must file by 5 p.m. Friday.  Runoff elections will be held April 5.

Voters also elected city council members Roger Gallagher (Ward 1) and Dave Spaulding (Ward 5).

Norman residents will pay more for garbage pick-up. Voters approved a sanitation rate increase of $2.50 per month.

Norman voters also said yes on three charter amendments. The first will decrease voter registration requirements for mayoral and council candidates from one year to six months. The second will allow over $600,000 of park land fees to be used for park improvements at neighborhood parks or community parks. And the last amendment will update the charter to reflect the current name of Norman Regional Health System, clarifies administration and clarifies that the City does not insure NRHS' financial obligations, according to the city of Norman's website.

See more results from the March 1 elections | Mobile election results