LONG BEACH, N.Y. — In a remarkable political and ethical scenario, Petros Krommidas, a candidate in the New York suburbs, has remained on the ballot for the upcoming election despite having gone missing earlier this spring. Krommidas was last seen during a night swim in the Atlantic Ocean; his personal belongings were found on the beach, and he has not been heard from since.
Since then, local Democrats have scrambled to find a replacement to challenge the Republican incumbent in the Nassau County Legislature, but they have hit a legal roadblock. Two Republican voters initiated a lawsuit leading to a state judge ruling that Krommidas’ name should remain on the November ballot, as he is still legally considered missing and not officially deceased.
As Election Day approaches, locals are left deciding between reelecting the current Republican legislator or casting their vote for Krommidas, who has become somewhat of a symbolic figure in the community. James Hodge, a fellow Democrat and friend of Krommidas, argues that voting for him is an act of honor, suggesting that it might lead to a special election where a suitable replacement could be fielded.
This situation has drawn comparisons to historical cases where deceased candidates won elections. Notably, U.S. Rep. Nicholas Begich Sr. from Alaska won reelection after disappearing in a plane crash in 1972, and Dennis Hof won a Nevada seat weeks after his death in 2018.
Critics argue that the Republicans’ court action has only exacerbated the pain for Krommidas’ family, with sentiments being aired on social media urging voters to honor Krommidas’ legacy. His mother and sister have publicly expressed their desire for residents to ‘honor and vote’ for him, emphasizing his compassionate contributions to the community.
Voter opinions are mixed. While some locals support allowing Krommidas' name to appear on the ballot as a show of solidarity, others express confusion and frustration over the situation. As members of the community engage in discussions, it becomes clear that this election will not only be about policy but also about the values and sentiments that surround such a poignant issue.
Since then, local Democrats have scrambled to find a replacement to challenge the Republican incumbent in the Nassau County Legislature, but they have hit a legal roadblock. Two Republican voters initiated a lawsuit leading to a state judge ruling that Krommidas’ name should remain on the November ballot, as he is still legally considered missing and not officially deceased.
As Election Day approaches, locals are left deciding between reelecting the current Republican legislator or casting their vote for Krommidas, who has become somewhat of a symbolic figure in the community. James Hodge, a fellow Democrat and friend of Krommidas, argues that voting for him is an act of honor, suggesting that it might lead to a special election where a suitable replacement could be fielded.
This situation has drawn comparisons to historical cases where deceased candidates won elections. Notably, U.S. Rep. Nicholas Begich Sr. from Alaska won reelection after disappearing in a plane crash in 1972, and Dennis Hof won a Nevada seat weeks after his death in 2018.
Critics argue that the Republicans’ court action has only exacerbated the pain for Krommidas’ family, with sentiments being aired on social media urging voters to honor Krommidas’ legacy. His mother and sister have publicly expressed their desire for residents to ‘honor and vote’ for him, emphasizing his compassionate contributions to the community.
Voter opinions are mixed. While some locals support allowing Krommidas' name to appear on the ballot as a show of solidarity, others express confusion and frustration over the situation. As members of the community engage in discussions, it becomes clear that this election will not only be about policy but also about the values and sentiments that surround such a poignant issue.
