Voters in northwest Iowa town elect dead man as mayor

Voters in a small northwest Iowa town have elected a dead man as mayor.

The Sioux City Journal reports that Elwin Clark, who was the only candidate for mayor in Terril, died five days before the election. He was 67.

Councilwoman Julie Thiesen says when Clark died a lot of people in the town of about 300 people didn't know what to do so she encouraged them to vote for Clark as a way to honor him. Clark had previously served on the Terril City Council.

The results were canvassed and Clark was officially declared the winner Tuesday.

Now the City Council has to appoint someone to fill the mayor's seat or they could hold a special election.

Outgoing Mayor Tim Fairchild chose not to seek re-election.

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