A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Fayette County Election Department on February 5, 2025. The request, made by us at Laurel Highlands Today, sought comprehensive details about all candidates running in the upcoming election.
In line with our commitment to providing accurate and comprehensive news coverage on local governmental affairs, we requested information under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, 65 §66.1 et seq. We asked for this data preferably in an electronic format for ease of analysis and reporting.
The specifics of our request included a list of all candidates vying for various offices in the impending election. The details we sought for each candidate were their first, middle, and last names; the office they are running for; jurisdiction of the office; and their party affiliation.
Furthermore, we also requested contact information for each candidate. This includes their address, phone number, and email address.
As a media organization, access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities which include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. We believe that as media professionals involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, we are eligible for a fee waiver.
We at Laurel Highlands Today remain committed to delivering comprehensive coverage of local government affairs and ensuring transparency in our democratic processes.
