In brief
Petros Krommidas, a missing Democratic candidate from Long Beach, New York, will remain on the ballot despite being unaccounted for since a spring swim in the Atlantic Ocean. A court ruling upheld his status as a missing person, prompting voters to choose between him and his Republican opponent, Patrick Mullaney. Local Democrats are urging support for Krommidas with hopes of triggering a special election in his absence. While some voters are confused, others express clear preferences for living candidates. The situation has stirred emotional responses from Krommidas' family and the community at large.
LONG BEACH, N.Y. — The peculiar political landscape of Long Beach has taken a surreal twist as voters head to the polls, confronted with the name of Petros Krommidas, a candidate who vanished while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean this past spring.
Krommidas, a 29-year-old former Ivy League rower and aspiring triathlete, went missing after his belongings were found on the beach. His name will remain on the November ballot after a state judge ruled that he is still considered a missing person and therefore not deceased. This legal determination has sparked partisan tension, with local Democrats advocating for Krommidas’s posthumous candidacy while Republican voters sought and won a court order to retain his name on the ballot.
The Political Strategies Behind the Judgment
Local Democrats, led by James Hodge, are urging community members to vote in favor of Krommidas, aiming to facilitate a special election should he be declared unreachable. Hodge emphasized the importance of honoring Krommidas's legacy and voted for his memory.
Republican voters contended that since Krommidas is still classified as missing, the Democratic Party cannot declare a vacancy for replacement. Judge Gary Knobel’s ruling reinforced that 'missing person' status does not suffice to justify filling a candidate’s position.
Election History of Missing Candidates
This isn't the first time an election has featured a missing candidate. Historical examples include U.S. Rep. Nicholas Begich Sr., who won reelection weeks after vanishing in a plane crash, and Dennis Hof, who captured a legislative seat posthumously in Nevada. Such occurrences raise debates on ethical implications and electoral fairness.
The Community Reacts
The community of Long Beach is mixed in its feelings regarding this electoral situation. Posters seeking to locate Krommidas still adorn public spaces, yet campaign signs another candidate, Patrick Mullaney, dominate local advertisements.
Resident Maude Carione expressed confusion over leaving Krommidas's name on the ballot, suggesting voters may be misled. In contrast, Regina Pecorella candidly stated a preference for living candidates when making her decision.
Krommidas' family has chosen not to comment publicly, though they have urged community members through social media to ‘honor and vote for’ him, sharing memories of his commitment to the community and belief in unity.
