Why a missing Democrat candidate could still win an election
A missing person flyer for Petros Krommidas hangs on a telephone pole in Long Beach (AP Photo/Phillip Marcelo) (AP)
Petros Krommidas, a Democrat candidate for the Nassau County Legislature, disappeared after a night swim in the Atlantic Ocean, with his belongings found on Long Beach.
Despite his disappearance, a state judge ruled that Krommidas' name must remain on the November ballot, as he is officially considered missing, not deceased.
Republican voters initiated the lawsuit to keep Krommidas on the ballot, arguing that under law, a person must be missing for three years to be legally declared dead.
Supporters of Krommidas are urging residents to vote for him to honour his memory and potentially trigger a special election where Democrats could field a new candidate.
The situation presents voters with the unusual choice of re-electing the Republican incumbent or casting a ballot for a candidate who vanished at sea, causing confusion and debate among residents.