One vote, an absentee ballot, broke a tie and now the City of Mt. Union will unincorporate, proving that every vote does matter. When the votes were tabulated Tuesday night for the general election, the measure to unincorporate the City of Mt. Union sat at a 31-31 tie. Wednesday morning, Mayor John Marek told KCII he was notified by the Henry County Auditor there was one outstanding absentee ballot. When the ballot was opened Thursday, it broke the tie and the measure officially passed. Marek was relieved, though he admitted he would have liked a more comfortable margin.

He was hoping for around 38 “yes” votes, but said he will take 32 if it means the measure passes. He estimates there are 78 people in Mt. Union that could have voted, so having 63 of them vote on the measure was a good turnout. The city will now officially begin the process to unincorporate. The next step begins with selling the city’s assets to square away any debts they might have. Marek said the measure passing is bittersweet. He is sad Mt. Union will no longer be a city, but he feels it’s what’s best for the residents.