A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Charlton County Election Department in Georgia on February 5, 2025. The request was made by Coastal GA News, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request sought detailed information about all candidates running for the upcoming spring election. Specifically, Coastal GA News requested the first, middle, and last names of each candidate along with the office they are running for and its jurisdiction. Additionally, the party affiliation of each candidate was also requested.
Beyond this basic information about each candidate, Coastal GA News also requested contact information for each individual. This includes their address, phone number, and email address.
In the request, Coastal GA News emphasized its role as a media organization in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for them to fulfill their professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given their role in disseminating information, they believe they are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
The Charlton County Election Department has yet to respond to this FOIA request from Coastal GA News.
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