A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Macomb County Election Division on February 5, 2025. The request, sent by us at Shelby Review, sought detailed information about the candidates running in the upcoming election.
In our commitment to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we asked for a list of all candidates vying for various positions in the impending election. The requested details included each candidate's first, middle, and last names, the office they are running for, jurisdiction of the office, and their party affiliation.
In addition to these basic details about each candidate's political career and aspirations, we also requested their contact information. This includes their address, phone number, and email address.
As a media organization dedicated to holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public, we emphasized that access to such public records is crucial for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. We also expressed our belief that we are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional given our role in disseminating information.
The FOIA request underscores our dedication to delivering comprehensive news coverage of local government affairs. By obtaining this information about election candidates directly from the source - the Macomb County Election Division - we aim to provide readers with accurate and timely information about their potential representatives.