A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Ashland County Election Department in Wisconsin on October 30, 2024. The request, made by The Sconi, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought information about the methods used by the department to count ballots.
The Sconi specifically requested details on whether the ballots are counted manually or through some other method. If manual counting is employed, The Sconi asked for an estimated number of people who would be working on election night.
The FOIA request was made under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, §19.31 et seq., with a preference for receiving the records in an electronic format.
As part of their commitment to holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public, The Sconi emphasized their role as a member of the media involved in gathering and reporting news. Given this role in disseminating information, they believe they are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
The Ashland County Election Department has yet to respond to this request.
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