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Republican Central Committee chooses Whatman for seat on board of elections

Megan Whatman saw democracy in action at an early age. "Voting was very important," she said. "My parents would take me as a kid – I got to go to the polls. It was kind of instilled in me." Those early impressions have stayed with Whatman, who was re-elected Thursday to a second term on the Richland County Board of Elections by the county's Republican Central Committee. The committee called the special meeting, which was held at the Area Agency on Aging. Mansfield City Councilman David Falquette nominated Whatman. There were no other nominations. Matt Finfgeld, director of the board of elections, said he looks forward to continuing to work with Whatman. "Megan's an awesome board member," he said. "She comes in on election day at noon or before. She works the counter, answers the phones." Whatman joins fellow Republican Bill Freytag and Democrats Larry Weirich and Venita Shoulders. Her term is for four years. Finfgeld said he is proud to work with the members, whom he says are in the job for the right reasons and work well together. "Megan's a big part of that team," Finfgeld said. Prior to her time on the county's board of elections, Whatman worked at polling places on election days. She has lived in Richland County since 2007. Whatman's background includes working on political campaigns and a two-year stint at the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University. Whatman works as a real estate agent. She talked about her role for the board of elections. "We oversee action at the board of elections office," Whatman said. "We approve budgets, certify election results, approve petitions." The board of elections will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday to certify petitions and issues for the May 6 primary election. State Rep. Marilyn John, the head of the county Republicans, said the central committee's recommendation on Whatman would be sent to the secretary of state's office for approval. Jane Zimmermann, deputy director at the board of elections, was on hand for Thursday's meeting. John thanked her, Whatman and the workers for "taking all the anxious calls and texts" from candidates. "I know we all drive you crazy on election night," John said. mcaudill@ 419-521-7219 X: @MarkCau32059251 This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Republican Whatman chosen for county board of elections