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Dead Man Elected

By Hilary Golston, WVTM News
November 9, 2012 Updated Nov 8, 2012 at 8:57 PM PDT

Republican Charles Beasley won a seat on Bibb County, Alabama's county commission during Tuesday's election, even thought Beasley died several weeks ago.

Mr. Beasley beat out Democratic incumbent Walter Sansing by claiming nearly 52% of the vote.

Probate Judge Jerry Pow said the rules allow ballots to be changed 20 days before the election, but the Bibb County Republican Party did not want to remove Beasley's name.

Pow says three factors may have contributed to the victory, straight republican-ticket voters, sympathy and disappointment in the Democratic candidate.

After the vote is certified the Bibb County Republican Party will recommend a candidate, and then the Governor will appoint someone.

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