A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Forest County Election Department in Wisconsin on October 30, 2024. The request, issued by The Sconi, a media organization committed to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, seeks details about the methods being used to count ballots in the upcoming election.
The request specifically asks for a list of methods used by the department for ballot counting. If any of these methods involve manual counting, The Sconi has also requested an estimated number of people who will be working on election night.
As members of the media, we at The Sconi are deeply involved 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 media professionals.
We await a response from the Forest County Election Department and will continue our efforts to provide transparent and accountable reporting on this and other issues related to local government affairs.
