A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Gratiot County Election Division on February 5, 2025. The request was made by us at Tri-City Sun, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
In our quest for transparency and accountability in public institutions, we requested detailed information about all candidates running in the upcoming election. The specific details requested include the first, middle, and last names of each candidate. We also asked for the office they are running for and its jurisdiction as well as their party affiliation.
In addition to these details, we also sought contact information for each candidate. This includes their address, phone number, and email address.
As a media organization involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, access to such public records is crucial for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. We believe that by providing this information to the public, we can promote transparency and hold public institutions accountable.
We have also indicated our eligibility for a fee waiver as a media professional under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq., given our role in disseminating information.
The Gratiot County Election Division has yet to respond to our request.