A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Branch County Election Division in Michigan on February 5, 2025. The request, sent by us at Sturgis-Coldwater News, sought comprehensive details about all candidates running for the upcoming spring election.
Our team asked for a list of all candidates, requesting specific information such as their first, middle and last names. We also asked for details about the office they are running for and its jurisdiction. Additionally, we sought information regarding each candidate's party affiliation.
Beyond this, we requested contact information for each candidate. This includes their address, phone number, and email address.
As a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, 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.
We believe that as members of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals. We look forward to receiving this information from the Branch County Election Division so that we can continue our mission of keeping our readers informed about local government affairs.