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Ties are unusual in elections. They’re even more unusual when nobody is on the ballot.

Now, the race for high bailiff in Essex County may be settled by a coin toss after two write-in candidates, neither of whom was seeking the job, tied.

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Amos Colby and John Noble each received 15 write-in votes for high bailiff.

In present-day Vermont, the position is largely an honorary one. The primary duty is to arrest the county sheriff, should there be reason to do so. The bailiff also is responsible for filling in while the sheriff is in prison or otherwise unable to do the job.

Neither man is an unlikely candidate for the post. Both have long histories in law enforcement in the northern county.

Noble has been a deputy sheriff, a constable, a deputy game warden and high bailiff. Colby was Essex County sheriff for two decades and was elected high bailiff two years ago. His son is currently the sheriff.

The race is going before an Essex County judge Friday. Under Vermont law, tied votes go to a recount. If that still doesn’t resolve the race, it could lead to the county holding a new election for the position — a prospect unappealing to both Noble and Colby.

Both Colby and Noble see a recount and a runoff election as a waste of time and money. For one thing, most Essex County residents aren’t that familiar with what a high bailiff does.

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“There isn’t a dozen people, I don’t believe, in any town around here that know what that office means,” Colby said.

“I think that we can settle it very simply without having to cost the taxpayers any more money,” Noble said.

The two plan to go to court Friday and ask the judge to let them settle the race with the toss of a coin.

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