Tonganoxie ? If Susan Weston had made it on time to vote, her husband, Mike, might not be locked in a tie to advance to the Tonganoxie City Council’s general election.

“It’s all my fault,” she said. “I came in and he said, ‘Did you vote?’ and I had five minutes to get there. He said, ‘I’ll probably tie, and you won’t be there to be the tie-breaker.'”

That’s exactly what happened. Mike Weston and James Truesdell each received 80 votes for the fourth spot to advance to the April 1 general election.

Leavenworth County commissioners — meeting as the board of canvassers — will gather at 9:30 a.m. today at the county courthouse possibly to determine the outcome of the election.

Janet Klasinski, deputy county clerk, said six provisional ballots cast in Tonganoxie might make the difference in the race. She said four appeared to be legitimate votes by people who had changed addresses or names, but who voted with the correct ballot at the correct polling station.

The votes on those ballots may break the tie, she said. If the tie remains after today, the candidates will draw straws or flip a coin for the chance to advance, she said.

“It’ll be interesting to see what happens,” she said. “It sure makes you realize every vote counts.”

Klasinski said candidates would have until Monday to request a recount.

Truesdell said Thursday he would let today’s decision stand and not appeal. Weston didn’t return phone messages from the Journal-World. Both are political newcomers.

Other candidates who advanced in Tuesday’s primary were Ron Cranor with 119 votes, Lois Seelbinder with 97 and Velda Roberts with 84. They, along with Truesdell or Weston, with vie for two four-year terms.

Truesdell said he would support Weston if he advanced to the general election.

“It’s kind of interesting how much attention this has received,” Truesdell said. “We’re getting more attention than the leading candidates.”