Has a Dead Person Ever Won an Election?Yes. In 2000, Missouri voters elected Mel Carnahan to the U.S. Senate even though he had died before Election Day. That is one hell of a victory speech to miss.Related Rabbit HolesHas an Election Ever Ended in a Tie?Has an Election Ever Been Decided by a Coin Toss?Why Do Americans Vote on Tuesdays?Read FurtherIn October 2000, Missouri governor Mel Carnahan died in a plane crash while campaigning against incumbent senator John Ashcroft. His name remained on the ballot, and voters elected him in November.This was not an accidental case of somebody forgetting to update the candidate list. Voters knew Carnahan had died. The election became a choice about who should represent Missouri, even though the winning candidate could never take the seat.Because Carnahan could not serve, Missouri’s governor appointed his widow, Jean Carnahan, to the Senate vacancy.Imagine losing an election to a man who was not even alive to celebrate. American political history really does refuse to be normal.Further ReadingU.S. Senate: The Unforgettable 107th Congress
