It promised to be a close race between four animal candidates, chosen from about 100 options including a humanized pickle.
But in the end, when Chesterfield County needed a mascot, the public spoke up — and selected an anthropomorphic raccoon to represent the county of almost 380,000.
While voters did not need to reside in the county, they were only allowed to vote once.
Officials plan to use Cole, the mascot, to promote tourism, the county’s athletic facilities and events and outdoor spaces. The mascot’s name is a tribute to the county’s mining history. A local artist will be contracted to design a raccoon costume for public appearances.
As of press time, county officials had not revealed a vote tally.
It is unknown whether the AI-generated chipmunk, bear or labrador candidates plan to request a recount.
