A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was sent to the Gaston County Election Department on February 5, 2025. The request was made by us at the Gastonia Times, a media organization dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate news coverage on local governmental affairs.
The FOIA request seeks detailed information about all candidates running in the upcoming election. Specifically, we have asked for a list that includes each candidate’s first, middle, and last name; the office they are running for; the jurisdiction of that office; and their party affiliation.
In addition to these details, we also requested contact information for each candidate. This includes their address, phone number, and email address.
As a media organization committed to transparency and holding public institutions accountable, access to public records is crucial for us. It allows us to fulfill our professional responsibilities effectively. In light of this role in disseminating information to the public, we believe we are eligible for a fee waiver as a media professional.
We will continue our pursuit of accurate reporting and keep our readers informed about developments related to this request.
