Virginia Board of Elections delays name-drawing after Democrat challenges vote-tie in court
VA Del. David Yancey (R, left) and his Democratic challenger Shelly Simonds (right). Images via Yancey and Simonds' campaigns.

A disputed recount in a pivotal Virginia legislative race will not be settled by a scheduled Wednesday name-drawing, The Washington Post reports.


Democratic challenger Shelly Simonds, who is currently tied with incumbent Republican David Yancy, took the matter to court.

“This is really about the integrity of elections in Virginia,” Simonds told reporters.

Simonds beat Yancy by a single vote in the recount, by the Republican convinced a judge to overturn the one-vote victory.

The ruling, by Circuit Court Judge Bryant L. Sugg was called into question when it was revealed Yancy had publicly backed Judge Sugg's career.

If Simonds prevails, the House of Delegates will be split 50-50, resulting in a power sharing agreement. Prior to Democrat's landslide in the November elections, Republicans controlled the chamber 66-34.

“[T]hese decisions were manifestly unjust and if followed by other recount courts, will create both unfair and inaccurate processes for future recounts,” Simonds' motion argues.