Election officials: Columbia City Council race ended in tie

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Election certification conducted Monday found an election for a Columbia City Council seat ended in a tie.

Karl Skala and Roy Lovelady each received 1,102 votes in April 5's election for the Third Ward seat on the city council, according to the certification.

Skala, a five-term incumbent, was challenged by Lovelady, a community activist and business owner.

The process for determining a winner goes to Columbia City Clerk Sheela Amin, Boone County Clerk Brianna Lennon said.

The candidates could seek a recount or agree to resolve the issue with a method such as a drawing. Or the city could call a special election, the Columbia Daily Tribune reported.

Skala said he is not inclined to seek a recount or agree to a method such as a drawing.

Lovelady said Monday he wasn't ready to issue a statement about which method he would choose.

If the city calls a special election, Skala would remain in his seat until the next available election date, which is the Aug. 2 primary.