A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Walworth County Election Department in Wisconsin on October 30, 2024. The request was made by The Sconi, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The Sconi requested specific records under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, §19.31 et seq., specifically seeking information about the methods used by the department to count ballots. If manual counting is being utilized, The Sconi has also asked for an estimated number of people who will be working on election night.
As a media organization, we at The Sconi are 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.
The FOIA request represents an effort by The Sconi to provide greater transparency around the electoral process in Walworth County. It’s part of our ongoing commitment to hold institutions accountable and provide comprehensive news coverage that serves our community.
