[pixcavator]

>>Randomization means that the last percent is just not worth chasing...

True, but only in the case of complete randomization. In the case of randomization kicking in only when the election is close, one side will be chasing the last percent to get to randomization and the other to avoid it. Same thing...

[mikeash]

Maybe the randomization could be weighted by the individual percentages. For example, randomize if the candidates are within 1%, but give the higher-voted candidate an increased chance of winning weighted by how far apart they are. That way the difference kicks in slowly, reducing the incremental value of additional votes in a reasonably smooth fashion.