By Chris McManigal
As November nears people tend to divide into two camps. Not Republicans or Democrats, not Libertarians or Green Party voters, no, these two camps are not about political parties. These camps consist of people that have either become increasingly titillated about the prospect of voting that they are giddy with anticipation and those that have become so fatigued by the run-up to the election that the idea of casting a ballot makes them queasy.
For those falling into the latter camp, take these close elections into consideration before you decide to sit this one out.
In 1910, challenger Charles Smith beat incumbent De Alva Alexander in Buffalo New York’s congressional district by one vote in the first tally, 20,685 to 20,684.
Marcus Morton became the Governor of Massachusetts for the first time in 1939 by receiving 51,034 votes, just one vote more than what would’ve been an exact 50/50 tie subject to revote if he’d only received 51,033 votes. He lost the next election, but incredibly won again in 1942 by a single vote cast in the state legislature after the all of the candidates failed to win enough votes to declare a majority.
In the Indiana 8th Congressional District election of 1984, Frank McCloskey won his seat after a recount declared him the victor by four votes.
In the 2000 Presidential election George Bush won the presidency over Al Gore by just 537 votes, all from the state of Florida.
Christine Gregoire became the Governor of Washington state in 2004 after beating Dino Rossi by 133 votes after two recounts.
In 2008, incumbent Mike Kelly maintained his Congressional seat for Alaska’s District 7 over challenger Karl Kassel by one vote after a recount.
Regardless of who you vote for, remember that on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 your vote matters. Whether you’re running to the polls gleefully or dragging yourself begrudgingly, get to the polls and VOTE!
