A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Monroe 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.
In line with our commitment to transparency and public accountability, we requested a list of all candidates running in the upcoming election under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50.18.70 et seq. The information sought includes the candidates’ full names, the offices they are running for, their jurisdiction, and party affiliation.
Furthermore, we asked for complete 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 such 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 await a positive response from the Monroe County Election Department as we continue our work in promoting transparency and accountability in local government affairs.
