A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Cobb County Election Department regarding their ballot counting methods on October 29, 2024. The request, filed by the Cobb Reporter, a media organization committed to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs, seeks detailed information about the methods used in vote counting.
The request specifically asks for a list of methods used by the department to count votes. If manual counting is employed, it also requests an estimated number of people who will be working on election night.
The Cobb Reporter emphasizes that as a member of the media involved in gathering and reporting news to the public, access to such public records is essential for fulfilling professional responsibilities. These include holding public institutions accountable and providing transparency to the public.
Given this role in disseminating information, the Cobb Reporter believes it is eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional under the Georgia Open Records Act § 50.18.70 et seq.
This move reflects an ongoing commitment by media organizations like ours at Cobb Reporter to ensure transparency and accountability in our democratic processes.
