A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Long County Election Department in Georgia on October 29, 2024. The request, issued by SE Georgia News, sought detailed information about the methods being used to count votes in the upcoming election.
The inquiry specifically asked for a list of techniques utilized for vote counting. In case of manual counting, the news organization requested an estimated number of individuals who would be working on election night.
SE Georgia News emphasized its role as a media outlet in disseminating accurate and comprehensive news about local governmental affairs. Access to public records such as these is crucial for the organization to fulfill its professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
Given their role in spreading information, SE Georgia News believes it is eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50.18.70 et seq.
As we await a response from the Long County Election Department, we at SE Georgia News continue our commitment to delivering reliable news coverage on local government affairs and ensuring transparency in our democratic processes.