SHARON SPRINGS ? For anyone who considers canvassing of votes just a formality, consider a couple of examples from Kansas county races.

In the west, The Hays Daily News reported that incumbent Wallace County Commissioner Bruce Buck and challenger Lyle Hammer had 81 votes apiece following the Aug. 3 primary elections. But when the votes were canvassed Monday, officials determined that two provisional ballots should be counted — and both favored Buck, who will keep his seat.

In the Wichita area, Butler County Commissioner Dan Woydziak came out of the primary four votes behind challenger Steve Scholtz. But Monday’s canvass gave them 902 votes apiece.

KWCH-TV reported they settled it the old-fashioned way, by tossing a coin. Woydziak called tails, and won.