A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Will County Il Clerk Election Division on February 5, 2025. The request, made by us at the Will County Gazette, sought detailed information about all candidates running in the upcoming election.
In our pursuit of comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, we asked for specific records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140. We requested this information preferably in an electronic format for ease of dissemination and analysis.
The details we requested include each candidate's first, middle, and last names. We also asked for information about the office they are running for and its jurisdiction. Additionally, we sought to know each candidate's party affiliation.
To facilitate direct communication with these candidates for follow-up stories or clarifications, we also requested their contact information. This includes their address, phone number, and email address.
As a media organization dedicated to transparency and accountability in public institutions, we believe access to such public records is essential. This will enable us to fulfill our professional responsibilities effectively. Given our role in disseminating information to the public, we also expressed our eligibility for a fee waiver as a media professional.
We await a positive response from the Will County Il Clerk Election Division as we continue our work of providing timely and accurate news to our readers.