A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Chippewa County Election Division on October 30, 2024. The request was made by us at UP Gazette, a media organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
We requested access to records pertaining to the pre-election testing of voting machines in the county under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act § 15.231 et seq. Specifically, we sought electronic copies of the test reports in PDF format with details such as the test date, machine manufacturer, machine model number, and machine status (whether it passed or failed).
As journalists committed to transparency and public accountability, we believe that access to these public records is crucial for our work. These records will enable us to provide detailed reporting on the readiness and reliability of voting machines ahead of elections.
We have also asked for a fee waiver for this request as part of our role as media professionals disseminating information to the public. We are awaiting a response from the Chippewa County Election Division regarding this matter.
Our goal is always to keep our readers informed about important issues affecting their community. Accessing these records will help us ensure that we can continue providing accurate and timely information about local government operations and decisions.
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