Candidate MISSING – But Still On Ballot?

Text graphic highlighting missing person in red among blurred words

A New York political candidate vanished into the Atlantic Ocean months ago, yet his name remains on the ballot and he could still win his race for city council.

Story Highlights

Petros Krommidas disappeared during an ocean swim in Long Beach, New York months before the election
His name cannot be removed from the ballot due to New York election law deadlines
Republicans filed a lawsuit to keep his name on the ballot, drawing criticism from opponents
If elected posthumously, a replacement candidate would likely be appointed by party officials

The Mysterious Disappearance

Petros Krommidas, a candidate for Long Beach city council, vanished during what appeared to be a routine ocean swim months before Election Day. The Long Island politician’s disappearance triggered an extensive search operation, but authorities found no trace of the missing candidate. Despite the passage of time and the presumption that Krommidas likely drowned, his fate remains officially undetermined.

The timing of his disappearance created an unprecedented electoral dilemma. New York election laws establish strict deadlines for ballot modifications, and Krommidas’s name had already been certified for the ballot when he vanished. This legal technicality means voters will encounter his name in the voting booth, even though he has been missing for months.

Legal Battles and Political Maneuvering

The Republican Party’s decision to file a lawsuit specifically aimed at keeping Krommidas’s name on the ballot sparked immediate controversy. Critics argue this legal action represents a cynical attempt to maintain electoral advantage rather than respect for the missing candidate. The lawsuit highlighted the complex intersection of election law, party politics, and human tragedy that defines this unusual case.

Long Island Republicans defended their position by citing legal precedents and arguing that removing names from ballots sets dangerous precedents for future elections. However, opponents characterized the move as exploitative, suggesting the party prioritizes political calculation over basic decency. The legal wrangling demonstrates how election machinery continues grinding forward even when confronted with extraordinary human circumstances.

The Posthumous Victory Scenario

If Krommidas receives the most votes, New York would face the rare situation of a posthumous electoral victory. State law provides mechanisms for this scenario, typically involving party officials appointing a replacement to serve the term. This process raises questions about democratic representation and whether voters truly get the candidate they intended to support.

Historical precedents exist for deceased or missing candidates winning elections across America. These cases usually result in special appointments or new elections, depending on state law and local circumstances. The Krommidas situation represents a modern twist on this electoral anomaly, complicated by his uncertain status and the political maneuvering surrounding his candidacy.