Shelby Schroeder, a Marion resident since 2022, is running against Hannah Branson for register of deeds.

Branson, a former employee of the office, said she was not able to interview for this story.

Schroeder said her background and strengths made her ideal for the position.

Among the most important qualities she would bring to the office is attention to accuracy, she said.

“It’s not that I never make mistakes, but I’m good at catching mistakes,” she said.

Schroeder also thought not having experience in the office would not be a problem for her.

“I think my legal description experience would be helpful,” she said.

What brought Schroeder to Marion in 2022 was a desire to be closer to her two nieces.

While living in her native Fresno, she only saw her niece Vivian about twice a year.

When she found out another baby was on the way for her brother and sister-in-law, she moved here.

After she graduated from Fresno State University with a degree in education, she changed her career course.

“I don’t have a very creative mind,” she said.

She worked in retail, then took a clerical job for a criminal court.

She later worked at a mental health desk dealing with incarcerated inmates.

After moving to Marion, she worked in the appraiser’s office, then made a transition to the mapping department.

“When I took this job, I thought I’d do it for a long time,” she said. “Then this opportunity arose.”

Schroeder characterizes herself as analytical and “black and white.”

“I accomplish things I set my mind to,” she said. “I really wanted to take advantage. I didn’t want to look back and think I would have liked to but didn’t.”