A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Branch County Election Division on October 30, 2024. The request was made by Sturgis-Coldwater News, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The request asked for records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq., specifically for the pre-election test reports of voting machines used in the county's elections. The requested information is to be provided in PDF format with specific fields including the test date, machine manufacture, machine model number, and machine status indicating whether it passed or failed.
Sturgis-Coldwater News emphasized that as a member of the media, access to public records is essential for them to fulfill their professional responsibilities. These responsibilities include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. They believe they are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional due to their role in disseminating information.
The FOIA request reflects the commitment of Sturgis-Coldwater News towards maintaining transparency and accountability in local government affairs.
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