Lakewood Ranch Election Results In Tie, Winner Decided By Drawing Lots

LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL — The Lakewood Ranch Community Development District 5 Board Seat 2 race resulted in a tie on Election Day.

“This event underscores the importance of civic engagement and how every vote truly counts,” Vinola Rodrigues, public information officer for the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, said.

Staff reviewed all 232,789 ballots cast in this election — an 82.61 percent turnout, the SOE said in a news release.

Candidates Michael Scott Defferding and Steven H. Peters each earned 584 votes in the election, results show.

Defferding received 56 votes on Nov. 5, 277 early votes and 251 by mail. Peters received 42 on Election Day, 264 early votes and 278 by mail.

The vote was recounted by machine and then by hand, under Florida Law, putting Peters ahead by one vote, the SOE said.

Then, a valid Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act vote arrived within the stipulated time of the race, tying it, the office said.

As required by state statute, the Supervisor of Elections held a public canvassing board meeting to determine the winner by “drawing lots.”

Eric Werbeck, representing Defferding, drew the 10 of clubs, while Lisa Gonzalez Moore, representing Peters, pulled the 5 of clubs, securing his victory.

Peters will serve his second term in the seat.

"This outcome underscores the significance of every vote and the rigorous processes ensuring fair election results in Manatee County and Florida,” Supervisor of Elections James Satcher said.