IF Wednesday’s St Helier No 3 vote had been tied, a run-off election would have been held.

Just one vote separated Deputy Ben Fox (698) and newcomer Suzette Hase (697) in fourth and fifth place in the district – meaning that he got in, and she did not. Although the Public Elections (Jersey) Law does not specifically provide for a tied vote, it appears that previous cases have been settled with run-off polls.

In the UK, tied elections must be settled immediately – either by a coin toss or by pulling one of the two candidates’ names out of a hat. But two cases from the 1950s and 1880s – both relating to elections for Centeniers and Constable’s Officers – suggest that run-off elections would be held.

Jersey election rules also differ from UK rules on ‘spoiled papers’. In the UK, the spoiled papers are available for inspection, but in Jersey they are sealed with the rest of the ballots and can only be opened by an order from the Royal Court.

• Picture: Deputy Fox on election night