Hervol draws top spot on runoff ballot

Incumbent Diane Hervol, dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved University of Texas pullover shirt, stood in the lobby of City Hall this morning, hesitantly, tentatively dipped her hand in a clear glass dish held by acting City Secretary Jennifer Vetrano, wrapped her hand around one of two tiny pieces of paper in that dish, pulled that tiny slip from the dish, unfolded it, read it, smiled and said "Diane Hervol," effectively giving her the top spot on the June 11 City Council runoff ballot.

According to a study conducted by the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics, being listed first on the ballot is a definite advantage, although that advantage may be diminished here because so few Kyle residents vote.

"In some elections a first-listing produces just a handful of votes, though they can make the difference in an extremely close election," the study said. "In other elections a first-listing can generate extra votes up to about 5 percent of the overall tally, according to some studies."

Interestingly, the study speculated that this first-listing bias is more apparent on election day than in early or absentee voting. "One wonders whether the first-listing bias is as great for absentee and mail ballot voters, compared to those who turn up at the polls on Election Day," the study said. "Voters can take their time at home — they can even do some internet research on the candidates before completing their ballots. At the polls, many voters feel anxious and tense. Everyone is in a hurry and being watched. No one wants to hold up the line."

The reason why I point this out is because in the May election, Hervol won 65 percent of the absentee vote and 51 percent of those who voted early. However, her opponent, business owner Travis Mitchell, who was listed first on that ballot, took 58 percent of the vote on election day.

After the drawing I asked Hervol if she planned on changing her campaign strategy due to the time limitations before the election.

"I intend to change it up a little bit," she replied. "I’m still in the preliminary stages as to what I anticipate doing, but I am going to change it up a little bit. I still plan to work hard and work smarter."

Mitchell, who just returned home from a camping trip on the Colorado River with his extended family, told me later this morning he plans to "vigorously" plunge into the runoff campaign.

"Local election campaign strategies require a certain amount of secrecy because they're relatively easy to foil," Mitchell said. "Nevertheless, I plan to campaign vigorously during this cycle."