Some Iowa Caucus Precincts Flipped a Coin to Determine the Democratic Winner

Several of Iowa’s Democratic precincts flipped a coin to determine a winner on Monday, illustrating the complicated nature of caucus rules and the historically close matchup between Democratic candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.

Clinton was named the Democratic winner of the Iowa caucuses on Tuesday morning, winning 49.9% of the vote compared to Sanders’ 49.6%. At least five coin tosses were held at precincts across the state on Monday, and in each instance, Clinton won, according to the Des Moines Register.

A coin toss is required to break a tie in certain instances, according to caucus rules.

“In a case where two or more preference groups are tied for the loss of a delegate, a coin shall be tossed to determine who loses the delegate,” the Iowa caucus guide states.