Christine Erickson leads Sioux Falls mayoral runoff by two votes

Christine Erickson held a two-vote lead over Jamie Smith in the Sioux Falls mayoral runoff after the Minnehaha County Auditors and Elections Office counted five provisional ballots, putting the unofficial tally at 18,279 to 18,277. More than 36,000 ballots were cast in the June 23 race.

The runoff followed the June 2 primary, when Erickson led the five-candidate field with 37% of the vote and Smith finished second with 28%. Because no candidate reached 50% in that first round, the race advanced to a head-to-head runoff. Turnout in the runoff was 24.17%, about 10% lower than the primary turnout.

South Dakota law requires canvassing before a recount can be formally requested, and Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson said the race was eligible for one. The canvass can take up to six days, and once a recount is requested, it must be completed within 10 days.

Erickson said, "This election exemplified that every single vote truly matters," and said she expected a recount. Smith said he planned to pursue one. Erickson would become the first female mayor in Sioux Falls history and the 33rd mayor of the city if the result holds.