There were three candidates in Saturday’s election for the Place 6 seat on the Crandall school board and none of them received more than 50 percent of the vote.
In most cases, that would mean a run-off election, and KaufmanCountyOnline.com originally reported a run-off would be necessary.
But Crandall officials say the state education code allows districts to seat a board member based on who received the most votes.
In the election, Rick Harrell received 219 votes, 45.63 percent; Danny Wayne Kirbie got 184 votes, 38.33 percent; and Chris Walters received 77 ballots, 16.04 percent.
None received more than 50 percent, a majority.
But Crandall Superintendent Larry Watson said state law allows a board member to be elected based on receiving the largest number of votes, a plurality. Except in cases where a the board has passed a resolution requiring a majority.
“My secretary went through all the (board meeting) minutes and we do not have a resolution,” Dr. Watson said Tuesday afternoon. “We are still a plurality.”
He said the last time this issue came up was in 1998. Had a resolution been passed then, it still would rule. But he said there is no evidence of such a resolution.
Tex York, the current board president, was on the board in 1998 and told Dr. Watson he did not remember a resolution for a majority vote being passed.
The county ran the election for the district and county elections administrator Dick Murphy said his office had received a phone call questioning the results. After researching the law his office also decided that the election is settled.
None of the candidates could be reached for comment.
Two candidates – Robyn Reed Foster and Jimbo Newton – ran unopposed.
Canvassing the election and swearing in board members would be on Monday’s board agenda.
“I think it’s settled,” Dr. Watson said.
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