Rights and Responsibilities
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), §2.2-3700 et. seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees residents of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees. The Department of Elections handles requests for records of the State Board of Elections.
A public record is any writing or recording — regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format — that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.
The policy of FOIA states that the purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities. In furthering this policy, FOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.
Your FOIA Rights
Costs
Commonly Used Exemptions to FOIA Requests
The Code of Virginia allows any public body to withhold certain records from public disclosure. The Virginia Department of Elections commonly withholds records subject to the following exemptions:
Making a Request for Records from the Virginia Department of Elections
To request records, or if you have questions concerning requesting records from the Virginia Department of Elections, you may direct your request to our FOIA Coordinator, Terri Detrani, by phone: (804) 593-2272, fax: (804) 371-0194, or email: foia@elections.virginia.gov.
In addition, the Freedom of Information Advisory Council is available to answer any questions you may have about FOIA and their website provides information and reference materials about the law. The Council may be contacted by email: foiacouncil@dls.virginia.gov, phone: (804) 225-3056 (Toll Free: (866) 448-4100 ), or by fax: (804) 371-0169.
The Virginia Department of Elections' Responsibilities in Responding to your Request