A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Ontonagon County Election Division in Michigan on October 30, 2024. The request, sent by UP Gazette, a media organization committed to comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, sought access to records pertaining to pre-election voting machine test reports.
Specifically, the FOIA request called for these reports in PDF format with certain key details. These include the date of the test, the manufacturer of the machine, the model number of the machine, and its status - whether it passed or failed the test.
The request emphasizes that as a media organization, UP Gazette plays a critical role in gathering and reporting news to the public. Access to such public records is essential for them to fulfill their professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
In line with this role in disseminating information, UP Gazette believes they are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional. They await response from Ontonagon County Election Division regarding this important matter.