A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Gallatin County Clerk's office on January 14, 2025. The request was made by SE Illinois News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
In the request, we sought access to public records detailing the list of candidates running for the 2025 Consolidated Elections. Specifically, we asked for three key pieces of information about each candidate: their name, the date they filed their candidacy, and the office they are vying for.
As a media organization, our role is to gather and report news to the public. Access to such public records is essential in fulfilling our professional responsibilities which 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 a media professional under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. We prefer these records in an electronic format for ease of access and dissemination.
We await a response from the Gallatin County Clerk's office regarding this request.
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