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Delaware Today
By the People, for the People
Ohio Elections Board Member Gets Home for Free Amid Residency Challenge
Melanie Leneghan became co-owner of a Galena home without spending a penny as her Ohio residency is questioned.
Mar. 19, 2026 at 10:03am
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Amidst a challenge about her residency that's before the Ohio Supreme Court, a Delaware County Board of Elections member recently became a co-owner of a Galena home without spending a penny, property records show. Melanie Leneghan, a member of the four-member county elections board and the female District 19 representative for the Republican State Central Committee, is facing a residency challenge to her right to vote in Ohio and her candidacy for reelection to the central committee in the May primary from Delaware County Republican Party Central Committee member Velva Dunn.
Why it matters
This case highlights concerns about residency requirements for elected officials and the ability of anyone to challenge a person's residency at any time, even without compelling evidence. It raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the potential for abuse of residency rules.
The details
Leneghan sold her Powell home in January 2025 and updated her voter registration address to a home in the city of Delaware and her mailing address to a Galena home owned by her best friend Catherine Nelson. On March 12, Nelson's home was transferred and is now jointly owned by Nelson and Leneghan for zero dollars. Leneghan said the property transfer was first discussed with a lawyer in April 2025, but declined to say why the home was transferred to include her as co-owner for free.
- Leneghan sold her Powell home in January 2025.
- Leneghan updated her voter registration address to a home in the city of Delaware and her mailing address to a Galena home owned by Catherine Nelson.
- On March 12, 2026, Nelson's home was transferred and is now jointly owned by Nelson and Leneghan for zero dollars.
- Leneghan said the property transfer was first discussed with a lawyer in April 2025.
The players
Melanie Leneghan
A member of the four-member Delaware County Board of Elections and the female District 19 representative for the Republican State Central Committee, who is facing a residency challenge to her right to vote in Ohio and her candidacy for reelection to the central committee.
Velva Dunn
A Delaware County Republican Party Central Committee member who filed the residency challenge against Leneghan.
Catherine Nelson
Leneghan's best friend since 2018, when Nelson was Leneghan's "right-hand person" during her 2018 Congressional run.
What they’re saying
“It's an atrocity what a regular citizen is allowed to do.”
— Melanie Leneghan
What’s next
The Ohio Supreme Court will decide on the residency challenge case filed by Dunn and her lawyer, Curt Hartman, who are asking the court to force the remaining three elections board members to vote on the residency challenge.
The takeaway
This case highlights the potential for abuse of residency requirements for elected officials and the need for clearer guidelines and oversight to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. It raises concerns about the ability of anyone to challenge a person's residency at any time, even without compelling evidence.
