A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Benzie County Election Division in Michigan on October 30, 2024. The request, made by North Michigan News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, seeks access to records related to pre-election testing of voting machines.
The requested records specifically pertain to the pre-election test reports for the county's election voting machines. The information sought includes the date of testing, machine manufacturer details, machine model numbers, and their respective status - whether they passed or failed during the tests. The request specifies that these records be provided in PDF format.
As a media organization, North Michigan News plays a crucial role in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to such public records is vital for us at North Michigan News to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These responsibilities 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 a media professional under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq. We eagerly await a response from the Benzie County Election Division and will continue our efforts in promoting transparency within local government operations.
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