Before most elections, someone circulates a semi-urban legend list of elections/decisions decided by a one-vote margin. According to the New York Times, a situation in Montana seems very appropriate to add to the list:
Ten days after the election, the Montana House still remains effectively tied, with 50 Democrats, 49 Republicans and 1 Constitution Party member who has said he plans to vote mostly with the Republicans. There is also one undecided House race, from a town near Billings, that could break the House logjam. But that race is locked in a tie, too, with 1,971 votes for each candidate and a recount pending.
“We’re tied in knots,” Gov. Brian Schweitzer, a Democrat, said in a telephone interview.
If the recount in the House race tips even a single vote toward the Republican candidate, Krayton Kerns — a veterinarian making his first run for public office — the Republicans will gain control of the House, including the committee chair appointments and the right to name a Republican speaker.
If the tie is affirmed, Montana’s Constitution allows Mr. Schweitzer the right to pick his choice, and he has said he would select the Democratic incumbent, Emelie K. Eaton. That would keep the House tied.
The article also mentions that the Montana Senate had been a 25-25 tie, until a Republican jumped the aisle.