In 2023, the Primary Election is Tuesday, May 2. The General Election is Tuesday, November 7. Not all the candidates below will be on the Democratic Primary ballot. The Democratic nomination for the Law Director - City of Mansfield, and 2nd Ward Council - City of Ontario will have contested races on the Primary ballot along with the seat for the 4th Ward Council - City of Mansfield. The winners will join the rest of the candidates below on the Fall ballot.
Click here to register or update your registration. Click here to print out an Absentee ballot request form. For questions or more information, go to www.boe.ohio.gov/richland or call the Richland County Board of Elections, 419-774-5530.
DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES 2023
Jonathon "J.C." Elgin is a 2006 graduate of Shelby Senior High School. After attending the Ohio State University and Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law, he returned to Richland County to establish his law practice. He worked 3 years in the Civil Division of the Richland County Prosecutor’s Office, representing various county and township offices. He currently practices law throughout North Central Ohio.
Attorney Elgin is running for community, accountability, and justice. Strong courts support strong communities, and strong communities reduce crime and recidivism. The Court should be accountable to the people. The Court should serve first to do justice. These are the principles he intends to integrate into all operations of the Shelby Municipal Court.
Chris Brown loves Mansfield. His family has lived and worked in Mansfield for generations and he is running for Law Director to fight for Mansfield’s future. Chris believes in good government, one that serves the people and is run by honest and well-qualified public servants. That is why he joined the Law Director’s office in 2011. Since 2013, he has served as Deputy Law Director and has worked in both the Criminal and Civil Divisions. He is a trusted and respected authority on local government law, speaking frequently at the Ohio Municipal Attorneys Association.
Chris has been recognized at the local, state, and national levels for his dedication to his community and his profession. The Richland Young Professionals recognized him as an emerging leader with their 10 Under 40 award, and the Ohio State Bar Foundation gave Chris its Community Service Award. He was also recognized nationally as an “Up and Comer” by the American Bar Association for his work in the field of state and local government law. Chris believes Mansfield deserves a proven leader for its Law Director who can take Mansfield into the future it deserves. MORE
Born and raised in Mansfield, Rollie Harper brings 32 years as a practicing attorney to the role of Law Director. Harper’s experience, both in law and as an active member of the community, have equipped him to serve as Mansfield’s Law Director. Harper has handled thousands of criminal and civil cases in the city and statewide. He has served nine years as Richland County Juvenile Court magistrate, and he brought the CASA program there to help advocate for the youths who come there.
Rollie is deeply dedicated to his community and has served on numerous boards for schools and local organizations. As Law Director, Harper will invest in youth by partnering with Mansfield City Schools and programs that foster youth development. As Law Director, Harper will collaborate with local organizations to solve problems collectively, listening to the needs of our community to help our city flourish. He is homegrown, invested, experienced, and well equipped to serve Mansfield as Law Director. MORE
Kim Moton for Member of Council 6th Ward - City of Mansfield
Councilwoman Kimberly Moton is a native of Mansfield, Ohio, and a 1987 graduate of Mansfield Malabar High School. She attended The University of Akron and graduated with a BA in Social Work. She currently represents the 6th Ward on Mansfield City Council and is chairperson of the Economic Development and Employee Relations committees.
Kimberly is a leader with a vision for Mansfield. She maintains positive communication with her constituents in Ward 6. Her goal is to continue to work for them and the community of Mansfield. No one else will work as hard as Kimberly to answer questions, make a positive impact, and represent her community.
Kimberly is employed by Mansfield City Schools and is a member of The Oasis of Love Church. She has a firm belief in God and His Word. Kimberly believes that anytime you compromise, you complicate your commitment.
Cynthia Antoinette Daley Write-In for Member of Council Fourth Ward - City of Mansfield
Antoinette Daley is running for the Fourth Ward Mansfield City Council seat to make a difference for all the residents of the Fourth Ward. She moved to Mansfield in 2005 with her husband and three children. While raising her family, she volunteered throughout the city. With a Masters degree in Human Resources Management, she currently works as an accountant for Healing Hearts Counseling Center and serves as the Treasurer of the Mansfield NAACP.
Antoinette loves Mansfield and wants to improve the quality of life for residents in the Fourth Ward. She is heartbroken by the recent gun violence in Mansfield that has taken too many lives too soon. She wants to help the youth of Mansfield find their way to a productive life and to make the lives of Mansfield’s elders more comfortable.
As Councilwoman for the Fourth Ward, her goal will be to encourage open communication with her constituents so that issues and concerns can be handled proactively before they become larger problems.