A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Jones County Election Department on February 5, 2025. The request was made by us at Macon Times, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request seeks records under the Georgia Open Records Act ยง 50.18.70 et seq., preferably in electronic format. Specifically, we requested a list of all candidates running for the upcoming election. The information requested includes the candidates’ first, middle, and last names; the office they are running for; jurisdiction of the office; and party affiliation.
Additionally, we have asked for all contact information for each candidate. This includes their address, phone number, and email address.
As members of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
We look forward to receiving this information from the Jones County Election Department in order to provide our readers with accurate coverage of their local government elections.
