Donkeys Run for Mayor of a Small Town in Washington

Pop quiz: Which candidate said, “My brain is huge, and I know all the best words”?

Too easy. Of course it was Elly May, a donkey running for City Clerk of Benton City, Washington.

Another donkey, Jethro, seeks the position of Mayor, assuring the voters, “I promise not to make an ass out of myself.”

Elly May and Jethro aren’t the only equids on the ballot. A horse named Baron hopes to be City Ambassador—which may or may not be a real position—and also has expressed interest in being appointed to the city’s planning commission.

A horse named Cole is running for Ag Inspector, which might just be a ruse to be allowed to sample all of the city’s plants. We’re on to you, Cole.

If these candidates are inspiring you to do your patriotic duty and vote, you can, and you don’t even need to be a Benton City resident. In fact, you can vote as many times as you like for the price of $1 per vote. Sounds a bit corrupt, sure, but the money raised will go to spay and neuter feral cats in Benton City.

And if you do happen to live in Benton City, you can nominate your horse, donkey, house pet, or the praying mantis that hangs out on your fence for the elected office of their choice. Nominations will be accepted through the end of June.

View the current nominees on the Benton City Pet Elections 2016 Facebook page, and click here to vote.

Leslie Potter is Managing Editor of horseillustrated.com. Follow her on Twitter: @LeslieInLex.