A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Clinton County Il Clerk Election Division on February 5, 2025. The request, submitted by South Central Reporter, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought detailed information about the candidates running in the upcoming spring election.
In our quest for transparency and accountability in public institutions, we requested records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. The specifics of our request included a list of all candidates running for office in the forthcoming election. We asked for details such as each candidate's first, middle, and last name; the office they are vying for; their jurisdiction; and their party affiliation.
In addition to these basic details about each candidate, we also requested contact information including their address, phone number, and email address. As part of our commitment to delivering comprehensive news coverage to our readership, this information is essential in facilitating direct communication with candidates.
We at South Central Reporter believe that access to public records is vital in fulfilling our professional responsibilities. It enables us to hold public institutions accountable while also providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we asserted our eligibility for a fee waiver as a media professional during this request.
As always, we remain dedicated to keeping you informed about your local government affairs and ensuring that transparency remains at the forefront of all public dealings.