Deceased Bibb County man wins election over incumbent commission - WAFF-TV: News, Weather and Sports for Huntsville, AL

In an unusual twist to a vote in Bibb County, a candidate who died in October ended up beating the incumbent for a seat on the county commission.

Republican candidate Charles Beasley won against incumbent Walter Sansing by 59 votes in Tuesday's election. Beasley had 52 percent of the votes compared to Sansing's 48 percent.

But according to his obituary, Beasley passed away unexpectedly October 12 at age 77.

Senator Cam Ward (R-Alabaster) tweeted about the situation Tuesday night, saying, "Two weeks ago GOP candidate Beasley passed away in BibbCo. Tonight he defeated incumbent Dem Sansing. God Bless & RIP Charles #alpolitics"

Sen. Ward also tweeted that once the election ballot is printed, state law says it can't be amended.

Beasley's obituary says he served as a Bibb County commissioner for one term. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Ward says Beasely lost the race for county commissioner four years ago and was hoping to make a comeback in this year's election. Ward described him as a "dear friend who would have served well."

This isn't the first time in Alabama's recent history a recently deceased candidate has been elected. In August, the town of Jackson's Gap elected a woman as mayor who had died two weeks before the election. Another mayor had to be appointed after the election.

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