Simplified: After two elections, a recount and more than a year of campaigning, Jamie Smith formally conceded the Sioux Falls mayoral race on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family and supporters at the Old Courthouse Museum courtyard.
Why it matters
- The concession wasn't an easy choice, Smith said, especially because the election was decided by a margin of four votes out of more than 36,000 ballots cast. But, ultimately, he said his decision is to "put the best interests of the city over my own" by not pursuing legal challenges to the recount process.
- Christine Erickson released a statement Tuesday saying that she and Smith were friends before the election and will stay friends in the years ahead. She also said, "now is the time for our community to move past the election," and focus on making Sioux Falls stronger.
- There are valid criticisms of the election process, though, Smith said, adding that he knows there are paths he could've taken to challenge the election results. But, he also noted in a divided nation, "we cannot divide our community even more."
"I don't make this decision lightly," Smith said. "In an election this close, it's clear that our election laws and standards need to be improved to ensure that every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot and have their ballot counted."
Tell me more
Smith's concession marks the end of an extended election process, starting with the June 2 primary election which narrowed the field from five mayoral candidates to two, then the June 23 run-off election, which ended in a two-vote split. Then, finally, the recount process last week determined Erickson to be the winner with 18,281 votes over Smith's 18,277.
In his comments Tuesday, Smith noted that Erickson is stepping in to lead a divided city and doing so without a mandate from the people, having received less than 50% of the vote.
That said, Smith told Sioux Falls Simplified he's not rooting against Erickson.
"When people in politics talk about making sure their competitor fails ... that's totally wrong because their failure would mean that the city is failing, and that's not what any of us want," Smith said. "We want to inspire our leaders to represent the people of their community in the best way that they can to make our city the best city it can be."
When it comes to election changes moving forward, Smith said he wants to see the state legislature look into the timeline and rules around absentee voting – especially in a tight three-week turnaround between the primary election and the city run-off.
"Mail used to get delivered a lot faster than it does now," Smith said, saying maybe it's time to look at changing how the state treats mail-in ballots.
Smith also said the mayoral race held in conjunction with the statewide primary caused "a lot of noise" that may have disenfranchised certain voters.
What happens next?
Erickson is set to be sworn in as mayor on Friday afternoon.
And for those who are angry about the election outcome, Smith said to start by taking a deep breath, acknowledging that the outcome bringing them anger is bringing others joy, and then digging in and looking at the parts of the process that were "questionable."
"Make yourself heard," he said. "Show up to City Council meetings. Contact your elected officials. Stand up for what you believe in. Participate in this democracy that we hold so dear, and don't be afraid to go against the grain in pursuit of a better Sioux Falls."
