LONG BEACH, N.Y. — A political candidate in the suburbs of New York City, Petros Krommidas, went for a night swim in the Atlantic Ocean this past spring and has not returned. Disappearance details remain vague, with Krommidas' phone, keys, and clothes found on the sands, leading to questions about the upcoming election. The former Ivy League rower, who was preparing for a triathlon, parked his car near the picturesque boardwalk before vanishing.
As months passed, local Democrats sought a replacement candidate for Krommidas in the Nassau County Legislature. However, a recent court ruling, prompted by two Republican voters, has maintained that Krommidas’ name will remain on the ballot, declaring that he is still considered missing and not officially deceased. As Election Day approaches, residents face the unusual choice between reelecting the Republican incumbent or voting for the Democrat who is missing.
James Hodge, a Long Beach resident and former colleague of Krommidas at the Nassau County Board of Elections, is urging voters to support Krommidas in hopes of triggering a special election for another Democratic candidate to run against County Legislator Patrick Mullaney. We need to honor his name and memory, Hodge stated.
The court's decision, rendered by Judge Gary Knobel, highlights a legal precedent: to declare someone dead, they must be missing for at least three years. This has sparked discussions reminiscent of historical elections where candidates have won despite being deceased. Krommidas’ family and supporters argue that the focus should be on the human aspect of this situation.
As Krommidas’ family asks the community to honor him through their votes, mixed feelings arise among voters. Many express confusion about the implications of voting for a candidate who is missing. While campaign signs for Mullaney occupy public spaces, the remnants of Krommidas' missing persons flyers still cling to telephone poles, reflecting the surreal nature of the upcoming election. Longtime residents like Maude Carione and Regina Pecorella underline the complexities, with sentiments ranging from frustration over Krommidas’ inclusion on the ballot to resolute decisions to vote for living candidates. As this unprecedented electoral scenario unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the deep personal impact intertwined with political decisions.
As months passed, local Democrats sought a replacement candidate for Krommidas in the Nassau County Legislature. However, a recent court ruling, prompted by two Republican voters, has maintained that Krommidas’ name will remain on the ballot, declaring that he is still considered missing and not officially deceased. As Election Day approaches, residents face the unusual choice between reelecting the Republican incumbent or voting for the Democrat who is missing.
James Hodge, a Long Beach resident and former colleague of Krommidas at the Nassau County Board of Elections, is urging voters to support Krommidas in hopes of triggering a special election for another Democratic candidate to run against County Legislator Patrick Mullaney. We need to honor his name and memory, Hodge stated.
The court's decision, rendered by Judge Gary Knobel, highlights a legal precedent: to declare someone dead, they must be missing for at least three years. This has sparked discussions reminiscent of historical elections where candidates have won despite being deceased. Krommidas’ family and supporters argue that the focus should be on the human aspect of this situation.
As Krommidas’ family asks the community to honor him through their votes, mixed feelings arise among voters. Many express confusion about the implications of voting for a candidate who is missing. While campaign signs for Mullaney occupy public spaces, the remnants of Krommidas' missing persons flyers still cling to telephone poles, reflecting the surreal nature of the upcoming election. Longtime residents like Maude Carione and Regina Pecorella underline the complexities, with sentiments ranging from frustration over Krommidas’ inclusion on the ballot to resolute decisions to vote for living candidates. As this unprecedented electoral scenario unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the deep personal impact intertwined with political decisions.
