A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Calumet County Election Department in Wisconsin on February 5, 2025. The request, filed by The Sconi, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought detailed information about the candidates running for the upcoming spring election.
The Sconi requested an exhaustive list of all candidates vying for various offices in the impending election. The specifics requested included each candidate’s first, middle, and last names, the office they are running for, jurisdiction of that office, and their party affiliation.
In addition to these details, The Sconi also sought contact information for each candidate. This includes their address, phone number, and email address.
The Sconi emphasized its role as a media organization in gathering and reporting news to the public. It stated that access to public records is essential for fulfilling its professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given this role in disseminating information, The Sconi believes it is eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
The request was made under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, §19.31 et seq., with a preference for receiving the records in electronic format.
