PARIS — The saying “every vote counts” rang true for two selectman candidates in Paris on Tuesday evening who recieved the same number of votes, requiring a runoff election.

Michael Risica and Zac Creps both ran for a three-year position, each earning 163 votes.

Town Clerk Liz Knox and ballot clerks hand-counted the ballots and ran them through the machine a second time, again resulting in the 163-163 tie.

Because of the tie, a runoff election will be held and must be called by the Board of Selectmen, according to Maine General Law 2528, Knox said. The runoff election will use ballots printed at the town office and counted electronically. Knox wasn’t sure if she has to hold voting from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or if it can be an abbreviated election.

In the other selectman race for a two-year seat, Vic Hodgkins beat out former selectman Robert Kirchherr, 181-158.

School Administrative District 17 Director Curtis Cole ran unopposed for another three-year term, receiving 299 votes.

There were two seats and two candidates for Paris Utility District trustees, with newcomer Darren Boyce garnering 215 votes and Trustee Margie Risica receiving 170.

Also on the ballot was the proposed amendment to the town’s Comprehensive Plan, which passed 198-111. It asked voters if they approved downsizing the minimum residential rural lot requirements from the current 2 acres and 250 feet of roadside frontage to 1 acre and 150 feet of roadside frontage. The article will be voted on by residents at Saturday’s town meeting.

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