Poker Hand Determines New Mexico Election

Under New Mexico law, when the votes in an election result in a tie, the winner is to be determined from a game of chance. Officials in the town of Estancia, population approximately 2,000, decided a simple hand of five-card draw would suffice.

Josie Richards was fortunate enough to be dealt a pair of nines, more than enough to beat her opponent, Michelle Dunlap.

Said Richards after the win, "I was very nervous, of course. I'm a big competitor and I wanted this position."

This is not the first time a game of chance has been invoked to determine a New Mexico election. In 2006, the city of Edgewood had its mayor determined by a deck of cards.

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