The Lawrence County Republican Central Committee Thursday evening choose Freddie Hayes to fill a vacant seat on the Lawrence County Board of Elections.

Hayes won the spot by collecting 28 votes to challenger Harriett Scragg’s 24 votes.

“I promise to make sure (to follow) the state law for candidates and to carry on where Bob Griffith left off and to make sure candidates are treated fairly,” Hayes said.

Hayes will replace board member Bob Griffith, who chose not to seek another four-year term on the elections board. Griffith has been on the board 33 years and, when asked why he chose to step aside, acknowledged quietly, “I’m 80 years old.”

Hayes will begin his term March 1.