Each election in Lycoming County remains unofficial for a reason until the final certification of the votes — and if there was ever proof that every vote counts in municipal elections, the results of the City of Williamsport City Council race could be no better example.

It appears that incumbent Republican Vice President of Council Eric Beiter and candidate April Line, a Democratic first-time candidate, are tied, according to the most recent vote tally by Lycoming County Voter Services.

There were three open spots with five candidates running for the office. The unofficial results on Tuesday, Nov. 4, were: Councilwoman Liz Miele, a Democratic incumbent with 2,786 votes; Jonah Milliken, a Democratic first-time candidate, with 2,654 votes; Beiter’s 2,409 votes; Line’s 2,397 votes and Republican David Dussinger’s 1,976 votes.

“I am honored that enough of the people of Williamsport wanted to see me on council that I earned votes in a number to tie with an incumbent,” Line said. “I remain hopeful that I’ll have the privilege to serve my community on council, and if I do not, I will continue to advocate for folks who do not always have a voice in government in other ways.”

“Every vote truly matters,” Beiter said. “The turnout I received on election was overwhelmingly strong, however, we have a stalemate. I want nothing more than to serve my community the best way I can and I thank everyone for their support.”

According to Line, after the provisionals and overseas ballots — which have a bit of extra time to arrive — were counted, there appeared to be a stalemate. There was one outstanding ballot that could break the tie but it might not arrive and must be in by the end of business day today, Line said she was told by Forrest Lehman, county director of elections.

If it does not arrive on time and the tie stands, there will be a drawing, one in which both these candidates pick numbers to see who wins the seat, she said.