diff --git a/consensus/src/extension/election.rs b/consensus/src/extension/election.rs
index ee9ce329..8ef87bca 100644
--- a/consensus/src/extension/election.rs
+++ b/consensus/src/extension/election.rs
@@ -102,7 +102,6 @@ impl<U: UnitWithParents> CandidateElection<U> {
             return Ok(());
         }
         let relative_round = voter.round() - self.round;
-        let direct_parents = voter.direct_parents().cloned().collect();
         let vote = match relative_round {
             0 => unreachable!("just checked that voter and election rounds are not equal"),
             // Direct descendands vote for, all other units of that round against.