This is a result of having secret ballots, no responsibility for ones actions. The names of every voter who voted for the inmate should be published, so they can proudly explain their wise choice.
Ballots were not always secret in this country.
Why? It's not that bad to have an inmate in the board, since he won't be available to do any harm. Besides, the reason for a board (instead of a single administrator) is that other members are part of the decision process, too, unless they're all in jail. The recall process is available to the voters, too, just in case.
It's also possible that some voters disliked the other candidates and voted for someone they didn't know.
"The names of every voter who voted for the inmate should be published, so they can proudly explain their wise choice."
The excuse will be that they didn't see or read the material about the guy. It's kind of like that woman a year ago who made a left turn and hit the bus I was riding on--"But, but, I didn't see the bus officer..."