Lexington - An incumbent city councilman in Lexington has kept his seat on the council after his name was drawn out of a box to break a tie.

Marion McWhirter and Max Punneo each received 53 votes in last Tuesday's election leading to the drawing yesterday at the Cleveland County Election Board offices.

Board Secretary Paula Roberts drew McWhirter's name from a box held above her head by Sheriff Joe Lester.

Roberts says it's the third time she's decided a race by draw and says she prefers for the voters to decide.

McWhirter says he understands it is simply the luck of the draw making him the winner. Punneo says he had hoped for a better turnout and that he expects to run again.

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