Editor, the Commercial:
There are several definitions of “re-elect.” Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s simple definition is “to elect (someone) again. Their verb definition is “to elect for another term in office.” The Oxford transitive verb definition is “to elect (someone) to a further term of office.”
White Hall School District has three candidates running for the same at-large seat. None of them is a member of the school board. Yet one is asking voters to “re-elect” him on large red signs seen around White Hall. No disputing this individual was previously elected to the school board; however, he resigned and is no longer on the board.
When someone uses “re-elect” on a campaign sign, my experience has been the connotation is the current office holder is asking to be re-elected to another term in that office. Several people have asked me about this dubious campaign tactic. Unfortunately, there is nothing in the code that prohibits taking this unprincipled liberty.
This letter is offered for public information and not in support of, or to oppose any of these candidates.
Stuart D. Soffer,
Republican election commissioner