FOIA Request to Clay County Election Division Regarding Upcoming Election Candidates on February 5, 2025.
We at East Central Reporter, a media organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, have submitted a request under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. Our request is aimed at obtaining a list of all candidates running in the upcoming election.
The information we seek includes each candidate's first, middle, and last name. We also wish to know the office for which they are running and its jurisdiction. Additionally, we've asked for details regarding each candidate's party affiliation.
Furthermore, we've requested 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 public records is crucial 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 Clay County Election Division as it will significantly aid our ongoing coverage of local governmental affairs.