A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Village of Belmont, Wisconsin, regarding new voter registrations on November 7, 2024. The request was made by SW Wisconsin News, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The request specifically asked for a list of new voters who registered to vote on November 5, 2024. This information is sought under the Wisconsin Open Records Law, §19.31 et seq., with a preference for an electronic format delivery.
As a media organization, we at SW Wisconsin News are involved in gathering and reporting news to the public. 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. Given our role in disseminating information, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as media professionals.
We look forward to working with the Village of Belmont in ensuring that this important information is made available to the public in a timely manner.