A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Lapeer County Election Division on February 5, 2025. The request was made by Thumb Reporter, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
In the request, we sought records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq., specifically asking for a list of all candidates running in the upcoming election. We asked for this information preferably in an electronic format.
The requested details include each candidate's first, middle, and last names; the office they are running for; the jurisdiction of that office; and their party affiliation. We also requested contact information for each candidate, including their address, phone number, and email address.
As a media organization, we emphasized our role in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to public records is essential for us to fulfill 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.
We look forward to receiving this information from the Lapeer County Election Division so that we can continue to provide our readers with accurate and timely news about their local government elections.
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