FOIA Request to Burnett County Election Department Regarding Ballot Counting Methods on October 30, 2024.
As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we at The Sconi have submitted a request under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, §19.31 et seq., for records pertaining to the methods being used by the Burnett County Election Department to count ballots in the upcoming election.
Specifically, we are seeking information about whether ballots are being counted manually or through some other method. If manual counting is being employed, we have also requested an estimate of the number of people who will be working on election night.
As journalists involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These 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 Burnett County Election Department and will continue our efforts to provide transparent and accurate coverage of local government affairs.
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