A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the McIntosh County Election Department in Georgia on October 29, 2024. The request was made by Coastal GA News, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The request specifically sought records under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50.18.70 et seq., pertaining to the methods being used by the department to count votes in the upcoming election. In case of manual counting, Coastal GA News also requested an estimated number of people who would be working on election night.
As part of the media community, Coastal GA News emphasized its role in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for fulfilling professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given this role in disseminating information, Coastal GA News stated its belief that it is eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
Coastal GA News remains committed to keeping its readers informed about important developments related to local governance and elections.
