PORTLAND -- The state's highest court will hear oral arguments at 11 a.m. today regarding disputed ballots in a primary race for a state legislative seat.

Melissa Walsh Innes and Kimberly McLaughlin are vying for the Democratic nomination to the House District 107 seat, representing Yarmouth. On Election Day, June 10, the race ended in a tie when each got 485 votes. A recount last week showed no clear winner because while Innes received 484 votes and McLaughlin 482, the candidates disagree about three additional ballots.

In accordance with state law, the disputed ballots will be forwarded to the
Maine Supreme Judicial Court.

The justices will hear oral arguments at 11 a.m. at the Cumberland County
courthouse in Portland. A written decision will be issued, possibly as early
as today, according Matthew Pollack, executive clerk of the court.

If the justices determine that the race is again tied, state law says the
secretary of state will decide the winner by drawing lots in public.

The Democratic winner will face Republican Brian Bicknell in November.