A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Treutlen County Election Department in Georgia on October 29, 2024. The request, made by Central Georgia News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought specific information regarding the methods used by the department to count votes.
The FOIA request asked for a detailed list of the techniques employed by the department in their vote counting process. If manual counting is being used, Central Georgia News also requested an estimate of the number of people expected to be working on election night.
As a news organization committed to holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public, Central Georgia News emphasized its role in gathering and reporting news. Access to such public records is deemed essential for them to fulfill their professional responsibilities.
In line with this commitment, Central Georgia News has requested a fee waiver as a media professional under the provisions of the Georgia Open Records Act § 50.18.70 et seq., citing its role in disseminating important information to the public.
The request reflects the ongoing efforts by media organizations like Central Georgia News to ensure transparency and accountability in our democratic processes, particularly those related to elections.
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