Here’s something awesome for you: after a recount of ballots, the town of Cave Creek, Arizona still could not determine who the citizens wanted on the town council–both Adam Trenk and Thomas McGuire had received 660 votes, and a run-off was deemed too expensive. So this town decided to do what any self-respecting town way out West would do: they decided to determine the winner through a game of chance. In this case, the New York Times reports, drawing cards.

Mr. McGuire, 64, a retired science teacher and two-term incumbent on the Town Council, selected a card, the six of hearts, drawing approving oos and aws from his supporters. Mr. Trenk, 25, a law student and newcomer to town, stepped forward. He lifted a card — a king of hearts — and the crowd roared. Cave Creek had finally selected its newest Council member. “It’s a hell of a way to win — or lose — an election,” Mr. McGuire said.

Though at least one democracy group said that this was not an “ideal” way to decide an election, it certainly seems more fun, doesn’t it? And I think it speaks to some sort of Western ideal, if not a democratic one. You can watch a video here (embedding not allowed), and the drawing takes place around the 8:30 mark. And I’m sure Adam Trenk is thrilled–he’s on the town council know thanks to the suicide king.

photo credit: pro_cyp’s flickr photostream/Creative Commons