A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Edgecombe County Election Department on February 5, 2025. The request was made by us at Rocky Mount Today, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
In the interest of transparency and public accountability, we sought information under the North Carolina Public Records Law, G.S. §132-1. Specifically, we requested an electronic format list of all candidates running in the upcoming election.
The details requested for each candidate included their first, middle and last names; the office they are running for; jurisdiction of the office; and party affiliation. We also asked for contact information such as address, phone number, and email address.
As a media organization committed to delivering quality journalism, access to public records is essential for us to fulfill our professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
We will continue to work diligently in gathering and reporting news to ensure that our community stays informed about local governmental affairs. We look forward to receiving this vital information from the Edgecombe County Election Department soon.