Crocker On Barnstable Ballot: Why A Dead Candidate's Name Stays

BARNSTABLE, MA — When Barnstable residents go to the polls on Nov. 5, there will be two names on the ballot for the Precinct 5 Town Council race. One of them will be someone who died recently.

Former Town Councilor President Jim Crocker died several weeks ago. But his name can't be removed from the ballot because his name had already been printed on absentee ballots. Town officials cannot recall ballots if voting has already begun.

Any voter who has already cast an absentee ballot may request a new one by sending a written request to the Town Clerk's office at 367 Main Street, Hyannis, MA 02601. Voters have until noon Nov. 4 to pick up an absentee ballot.

So what happens if you vote for Crocker? Each vote will be recorded as a "tribute," according to town officials. If Crocker wins re-election, the candidate with the next-highest amount of votes will be elected.

The only other candidate on the ballot in Precinct 5 is David Bogan, but Matt Driscoll is running as a write-in candidate. Check out profiles for both candidates here:

• Barnstable Candidate Profile: David Bogan For Town Council
• Barnstable Candidate Profile: Matt Driscoll For Town Council

Crocker grew up in Barnstable and raised his family there. He's served twice as Precinct 5's town councilor, with his most recent tenure beginning in 2013. Crocker also owned Wianno Realty in Osterville and twice ran as the Republican nominee for the Cape and Islands District state senate seat.

Before his death, Crocker was gearing up for re-election in a town he told Patch was a great place to grow up and raise his family.

"My favorite thing about Barnstable is the lengthy library of stories and memories it has given me," Crocker said in his Patch candidate profile. "The smell of the seasons, all the familiar locations, and any local character's name will bring a momentary smile to my face. It had been a great place to grow up and raise a family in."