A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Oneida County Election Department in Wisconsin on February 5, 2025. The request was made by The Sconi, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request specifically asked for a list of all candidates running in the upcoming election. The information requested includes each candidate's first, middle, and last name, the office they are running for, the jurisdiction of that office, and their party affiliation.
In addition to this basic information about each candidate, The Sconi also requested contact information for each candidate. This includes their address, phone number, and email address.
The Sconi emphasized the importance of access to public records for their work in gathering and reporting news to the public. They stated that such access is essential for them to fulfill their professional responsibilities, which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
As a media organization involved in disseminating information to the public, The Sconi believes it is eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional under Wisconsin Open Records Law §19.31 et seq.